They are always asking a writer why he does not write like somebody else, or a painter why he does not paint like somebody else, quite oblivious of the fact that if either of them did anything of the kind he would cease to be an artist.

Life under a good government is rarely dramatic; life under a bad government is always so.

One should never make one's entrance with a scandal. One should reserve that to give an interest to one's old age.

It is only an auctioneer who can equally and impartially admire all schools of art.

If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always immensely over-educated.

The worst thing to do with success, is to boast about it.

Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight For the greatest tragedy of them all Is never to feel the burning light.