Begin with the determination to succeed and the work is half done already.

The less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it

Customs do not concern themselves with right or wrong or reason. But they have to be obeyed; one reasons all around them until he is tired, but he must not transgress them, it is sternly forbidden.

It takes some little time to accept and realize the fact that while you have been growing old, your friends have not been standing still, in that matter.

Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of growths

There are three infallible ways of pleasing an author, and the three form a rising scale of compliment: 1, to tell him you have read one of his books; 2, to tell him you have read all of his books; 3, to ask him to let you read the manuscript of his forthcoming book. No. 1 admits you to his respect; No. 2 admits you to his admiration; No. 3 carries you clear into his heart.

And what is a man without energy? Nothing - nothing at all.