The closer the look one takes at a word, the greater distance from which it looks back.

A pun, though despicable in itself, can be the noblest vehicle of an artistic intention by serving as the abbreviation of a wittyview. It can be a social criticism in the form of an epigram.

Feminine passion is to masculine as an epic is to an epigram.

Talent is often a defect in character.

Through my satire I make little people so big that afterwards they are worthy objects of my satire and no one can reproach me any longer.

War is, at first, the hope that one will be better off; next, the expectation that the other fellow will be worse off; then, the satisfaction that he isn't any better off; and, finally, the surprise at everyone's being worse off.

Stupidity gets up early; that is why events are accustomed to happening in the morning.