A country without a patent office and good patent laws is just a crab, and can't travel any way but sideways and backways.

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.

One is apt to overestimate beauty when it is rare

Good wine needs no bush; a jug is the thing.

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.

Be careless in your dress if you must, but keep a tidy soul.

It is my belief that nearly any invented quotation, played with confidence, stands a good chance to deceive.