There are men whose sense of humour is so ill developed that they still bear a grudge against Copernicus because he dethroned them from the central position in the universe. They feel it a personal affront that they can no longer consider themselves the pivot upon which turns the whole of created things.

I did not believe him capable of love. That is an emotion in which tenderness is an essential part, but Strickland had no tenderness either for himself or for others; there is in love a sense of weakness, a desire to protect, an eagerness to do good and to give pleasure--if not unselfishness, at all events a selfishness which marvellously conceals itself; it has in it a certain diffidence.

Of all the hokum with which this country [America] is riddled, the most odd is the common notion that it is free of class distinctions.

Impropriety is the soul of wit.

Sentimentality is the only sentiment that rubs you the wrong way.

It was such a lovely day I thought it a pity to get up.

In heaven, when the blessed use the telephone they will say what they have to say and not a word besides.