The main question to a novel is -- did it amuse? were you surprised at dinner coming so soon? did you mistake eleven for ten? were you too late to dress? and did you sit up beyond the usual hour? If a novel produces these effects, it is good; if it does not -- story, language, love, scandal itself cannot save it. It is only meant to please; and it must do that or it does nothing.
Sydney SmithHave the courage to be ignorant of a great number of things, in order to avoid the calamity of being ignorant of everything.
Sydney SmithManners are the shadows of virtues; the momentary display of those qualities which our fellow creatures love, and respect.
Sydney SmithLife is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.
Sydney SmithResolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.
Sydney Smith