Profusion gives pleasure up to a point; then we become squeamish.

To be a social success, do not act pathetic, arrogant, or bored. Do not discuss your unhappy childhood, your visit to the dentist,the shortcomings of your cleaning woman, the state of your bowels, or your spouse's bad habits. You will be thought a paragon (or perhaps a monster) of good behavior.

Beautiful people are forgiven more often than the rest.

The educated can listen impassively to almost anything.

The psychiatrist's office: the only place I can be sure my story will be treated as sad, but interesting.

Sweet smiles soften judgment. Sweet haunches unseat it.

The banker rubs his nose, thinking of his cat stalking something on the lawn.