As a rule, we go about with masks, we go about looking honest, and we are able to conceal ourselves all through the day.

The worst thing you can do to a man is to tell him he can have what he wants.

A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those intensely right words in a book or newspaper the resulting effect is physical as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.

We must look for our own blame to find our own personality.

Intellectual ''work'' is misnamed; it is a pleasure, a dissipation, and is its own highest reward.

I ordinarily smoke fifteen cigars during my five hours' labours, and if my interest reaches the enthusiastic point, I smoke more. I smoke with all my might, and allow no intervals.

He had an uncommon fondness for cats. As an old man summering in New Hampshire, Twain even rented kittens from a nearby farm to keep him company until he returned home. "If man could be crossed with the cat," said Twain, "it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat." There's always something about your success that displeases even your best friends.