Haunted from my early youth by the transitoriness and pathos of life, I was aware that it is not enough to say "I am doing no harm," I ought to be testing myself daily, and asking myself what I am really achieving.

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.

All I can say about my mind is that, like a fire carefully laid by a good housemaid, it is one that any match will light.

The spirit is an inward flame; a lamp the world blows upon but never puts out.

It is always dangerous to generalize, but the American people, while infinitely generous, are a hard and strong race and, but for the few cemeteries I have seen, I am inclined to think they never die.

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

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