Convictions no doubt have to be modified or expanded to meet changing conditions but ... to be a reliable political leader sooner or later your anchors must hold fast where other men's drag.

I have always wanted to be a man, if only for the reason that I would like to have gauged the value of my intellect.

It is easier to influence strong than weak characters in life.

From the happy expression on their faces you might have supposed that they welcomed the war. I have met with men who loved stamps, and stones, and snakes, but I could not imagine any man loving war.

Rich men's houses are seldom beautiful, rarely comfortable, and never original. It is a constant source of surprise to people of moderate means to observe how little a big fortune contributes to Beauty.

I was born in the country of Hogg and Scott between the Yarrow and the Tweed, in the year 1864.

the announcement that you are going to tell a good story (and the chuckle that precedes it) is always a dangerous opening.