Reverence is a good thing, and part of its value is that the more we revere a man, the more sharply are we struck by anything in him (and there is always much) that is incongruous with his greatness.

To say that a man is vain means merely that he is pleased with the effect he produces on other people.

The hospitable instinct is not wholly altruistic. There is pride and egoism mixed up with it.

To destroy is still the strongest instinct of our nature.

No Roman ever was able to say, 'I dined last night with the Borgias'.

Improvisation is the essence of good talk. Heaven defend us from the talker who doles out things prepared for us; but let heaven not less defend us from the beautiful spontaneous writer who puts his trust in the inspiration of the moment.

Men of genius are not quick judges of character. Deep thinking and high imagining blunt that trivial instinct by which you and I size people up.