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

The gentle reader will never, never know what a consummate ass he can become until he goes abroad.

I should have been glad to acquire some sort of idea of Hindu theology, ... but the difficulties were too great.

We adore titles and heredities in our hearts and ridicule them with our mouths. This is our democratic privilege.

I have done more for San Francisco than any of its old residents. Since I left there it has increased in population fully 300,000. I could have done more - I could have gone earlier - it was suggested.

Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.

If I had more time, I would have written less.