Ordinary people waited till life disclosed to them its secrets, but to the few, to the elect, the mysteries of life were revealed before the veil was drawn away. Sometimes this was the effect of art, and chiefly of the art of literature, which dealt immediately with the passions and the intellect.

Everything in moderation, including moderation.

Before Turner there was no fog in London.

A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.

Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation, and conversation must have a common basis, and between two people of widely different culture the only common basis possible is the lowest level.

Pessimist: One who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.

She...can talk brillantly upon any subject provided she knows nothing about it.