If people waited to know one another before they married, the world wouldn't be as overpopulated as it is now.

Most people are such fools that it is really no great compliment to say that someone is above the average.

The moral I draw is that the writer should seek his reward in the pleasure of his work and in release from the burden of thought; and, indifferent to aught else, care nothing for praise or censure, failure or success.

It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

Insensibly he formed the most delightful habit in the world, the habit of reading: he did not know that thus he was providing himself with a refuge from all the distress of life; he did not know either that he was creating for himself an unreal world which would make the real world of every day a source of bitter disappointment.

It is dangerous to let the public behind the scenes. They are easily disillusioned and then they are angry with you, for it was the illusion they loved.

For the complete life, the perfect pattern includes old age as well as youth and maturity.