An acquaintance that begins with a compliment is sure to develop into a real friendship.

Philanthropy [has become] simply the refuge of people who wish to annoy their fellow creatures.

The mind of the thoroughly well-informed man is a dreadful thing. It is like a bric-à-brac shop, all monsters and dust, with everything priced above its proper value.

I won't belong to a club that accepts me as a member

In fact, now you mention the subject, I have been very bad in my own small way. I don't think you should be so proud of that, though I am sure it must have been very pleasant.

Nothing is so aggravating than calmness.

Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing.