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

Some men have only one book in them, others a library.

Oh, don't tell me of facts, I never believe facts; you know, [George] Canning said nothing was so fallacious as facts, except figures.

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

In composing, as a general rule, run your pen through every other word you have written; you have no idea what vigor it will give your style.

What would life be without arithmetic, but a scene of horrors?

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