In religion and politics, people's belief's and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination

I have carried a revolver; lots of us do, but they are the most innocent things in the world.

Prophesy is a good line of business, but it is full of risks.

It was in 1590--winter. Austria was far away from the world, and asleep; it was still the Middle Ages in Austria, and promised to remain so forever. Some even set it away back centuries upon centuries and said that by the mental and spiritual clock it was still the Age of Belief in Austria. But they meant it as a compliment, not a slur, and it was so taken, and we were all proud of it. I remember it well, although I was only a boy; and I remember, too, the pleasure it gave me.

No man, deep down in the privacy of his heart, has any considerable respect for himself.

A street in Constantinople is a picture which one ought to see once-not oftener.

Wine is a clog to the pen, not an inspiration.