We have only to change the point of view and the greatest action looks mean.

The great quality of Dulness is to be unalterably contented with itself.

Out of the fictitious book I get the expression of the life, of the times, of the manners, of the merriment, of the dress, the pleasure, the laughter, the ridicules of society. The old times live again. Can the heaviest historian do more for me?

Who was the blundering idiot who said 'fine words butter no parsnips'? Half the parsnips of society are served and rendered palatable with no other sauce.

Not only is the world informed of everything about you, but of a great deal more.

We can't all be lions in this world. There must be some lambs, harmless, kindly, gregarious creatures for eating and shearing.

Remember, it's as easy to marry a rich woman as a poor woman.