He was a hero to his valet, who bullied him, and a terror to most of his relations, whom he bullied in turn. Only England could have produced him, and he always said that the country was going to the dogs. His principles were out of date, but there was a good deal to be said for his prejudices.

In examinations the foolish ask questions that the wise cannot answer.

Know thyself' was written over the portal of the antique world. Over the portal of the new world, 'Be thyself' shall be written.

I am a man of simple pleasures. The best suits me perfectly.

The most terrible thing about it is not that it breaks one’s heart—hearts are made to be broken—but that it turns one’s heart to stone.

A pessimist is somebody who complains about the noise when opportunity knocks.

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.