The thing about performance, even if it's only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities.

If I were to begin life again, I would devote it to music. It is the only cheap and unpunished rapture upon earth.

Politeness is good nature regulated by good sense.

When I hear any man talk of an unalterable law, the only effect it produces on me is to convince me that he is an unalterable fool

Never try to reason the prejudice out of a man. It was not reasoned into him, and cannot be reasoned out.

You find people ready enough to do the Samaritan, without the oil and twopence.

Among the smaller duties of life I hardly know any one more important than that of not praising where praise is not due.