The expression of a gentleman's face is not so much that of refinement, as of flexibility, not of sensibility and enthusiasm as of indifference; it argues presence of mind rather than enlargement of ideas.

Belief is with them mechanical, voluntary: they believe what they are paid for - they swear to that which turns to account. Do you suppose, that after years spent in this manner, they have any feeling left answering to the difference between truth and falsehood?

The greatest pleasure in life is that of reading while we are young. I have had as much of this pleasure perhaps as any one.

The truly proud man knows neither superiors or inferiors. The first he does not admit of - the last he does not concern himself about.

Poetry is all that is worth remembering in life.

Man is a poetical animal, and delights in fiction.

Cunning is the art of concealing our own defects, and discovering other people's weaknesses.