We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.

Man is kind enough when he is not excited by religion

I am trying to get the hang of this new fangled writing machine, but I am not making a shining success of it. However, this is the first attempt I have ever made & yet I perceive I shall soon & easily acquire a fine facility in its use. ... The machine has several virtues. I believe it will print faster than I can write. One may lean back in his chair & work it. It piles an awful stack of words on one page. It don't muss things or scatter ink blots around. Of course it saves paper.

We all know about the habits of the ant, we know all about the habits of the bee, but we know nothing at all about the habits of the oyster. It seems almost certain that we have been choosing the wrong time for studying the oyster.

The average man don't like trouble and danger.

Well, Ben Rogers, if I was as ignorant as you I wouldn't let on.

We can't reach old age by another man's road.