The true spirit of conversation consists in building on another man's observation, not overturning it.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

A good cigar is as great a comfort to a man as a good cry is to a woman.

Common sense is only a modification of talent. Genius is an exaltation of it. The difference is, therefore, in degree, not nature.

It is difficult to say who do you the most harm: enemies with the worst intentions or friends with the best.

Patience is not active; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength.

Whatever the number of a man's friends, there will be times in his life when he has one too few; but if he has only one enemy, he is lucky indeed if he has not one too many.

No author ever drew a character consistent to human nature, but he was forced to ascribe to it many inconsistencies.

Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can.

Chance happens to all, but to turn chance to account is the gift of few.