“Some read to think, these are rare; some to write, these are common; and some read to talk, and these form the great majority.”

Knowledge is two-fold, and consists not only in an affirmation of what is true, but in the negation of that which is false.

As the gout seems privileged to attack the bodies of the wealthy, so ennui seems to exert a similar prerogative over their minds.

Tyrants have not yet discovered any chains that can fetter the mind.

It is best, if possible, to deceive no one; for he that begins by deceiving others, will end by deceiving himself.

There are two way of establishing a reputation, one to be praised by honest people and the other to be accused by rogues. It is best, however, to secure the first one, because it will always be accompanied by the latter.

A man’s profundity may keep him from opening on a first interview, and his caution on a second; but I should suspect his emptiness, if he carried on his reserve to a third.

Light, whether it be material or moral, is the best reformer.

The true motives of our actions, like the real pipes of an organ, are usually concealed; but the gilded and hollow pretext is pompously placed in the front for show.

Cheerfulness ought to be the viaticum vitae of their life to the old; age without cheerfulness is a Lapland winter without a sun.

Make no enemies; he is insignificant indeed that can do thee no harm.

What would you do if you knew for sure that no one would ever find out?

The family is the most basic unit of government. As the first community to which a person is attached and the first authority under which a person learns to live, the family establishes society’s most basic values.

The man of pleasure, by a vain attempt to be more happy than any man can be, is often more miserable than most men are.

Sometimes the greatest adversities turn out to be the greatest blessings.

The art of declamation has been sinking in value from the moment that speakers were foolish enough to publish, and hearers wise enough to read.

An Irish man fights before he reasons, a Scotchman reasons before he fights, an Englishman is not particular as to the order of precedence, but will do either to accommodate his customers.

Democracy is for infidels. A real Muslim is not a democrat because he doesn’t care about the opinions of majorities and minorities don’t interest him. He is only interested in what Islam says.

A majority of women seem to consider themselves sent into the world for the sole purpose of displaying dry goods, and it is only when acting the part of an animated milliner’s block that they feel they are performing their appropriate mission.

The majority of my symphonies are tombstones.

Battered women is a phrase that uncovered major, long-hidden violence. It helps us to face the fact that, statistically speaking, the most dangerous place for a woman is in her own home, not in the streets.

The great majority of women are more intelligent, better educated, and far more moral than multitudes of men whose right to vote no man questions.

It does not prove a thing to be right because the majority say it is so.

Well, I have one consolation. No candidate was ever elected ex-president by such a large majority!

The voice of the majority is no proof of justice.