The rain fell alike upon the just and upon the unjust, and for nothing was there a why and a wherefore.

The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight of distress.

I do not believe they are right who say that the defects of famous men should be ignored. I think it is better that we should know them. Then, though we are conscious of having faults as glaring as theirs, we can believe that that is no hindrance to our achieving also something of their virtues.

What does democracy come down to? The persuasive power of slogans invented by wily self-seeking politicians.

Almost all the people who’ve had the most effect on me I seem to have met by chance, yet looking back it seems as though I couldn’t but have met them.

The last words he said to me when I bade him good-night were: Tell Amy it's no good coming after me. Anyhow, I shall change my hotel, so she wouldn't be able to find me.' My own impression is that she's well rid of you,' I said. My dear fellow, I only hope you'll be able to make her see it. But women are very unintelligent.

A good rule for writers: do not explain overmuch.