A painter told me that nobody could draw a tree without in some sort becoming a tree.

All persons are puzzles until at last we find in some word or act the key to the man, to the woman; straightway all their past words and actions lie in light before us.

Fashion understands itself; good-breeding and personal superiority of whatever country readily fraternize with those of every other. The chiefs of savage tribes have distinguished themselves in London and Paris, by the purity of their tournure.

Wit makes its own welcome, and levels all distinction. No dignity, no learning, no force of character, can make any stand against good wit. It is like ice, on which no beauty of form, no majesty of carriage, can plead any immunity; they must walk gingerly, according to the laws of ice, or down they must go, dignity and all.

The good writer seems to be writing about himself, but has his eye always on that thread of the Universe which runs through himself and all things.

Government exists to defend the weak and the poor and the injured party; the rich and the strong can better take care of themselves.

There are other measures of self-respect for a man, than the number of clean shirts he puts on every day.