It is disgusting to pick your teeth; what is vulgar is to use a gold toothpick.

The American Way is so restlessly creative as to be essentially destructive; the American Way is to carry common sense itself almost to the point of madness.

The Englishman wants to be recognized as a gentleman, or as some other suitable species of human being; the American wants to be considered a good guy.

With intellectuals, moral thought is often less a tonic that quickens ethical action than a narcotic that deadens it.

The closer and more confidential our relationship with someone, the less we are entitled to ask about what we are not voluntarily told.

Doubtless a good general rule for close friendships, where confidences are freely exchanged, is that what one is not informed about, one may not inquire about.

The thrust of ambition is, and always has been, great, but among the bright-eyed it had once a more adventurous and individualistic air, a much more bracing rivalry.