The universality of a custom is pledge of its worth.
AGNES REPPLIERThe universality of a custom is pledge of its worth.
AGNES REPPLIERThe delusions of the past seem fond and foolish. The delusions of the present seem subtle and sane.
AGNES REPPLIERErudition, like a bloodhound, is a charming thing when held firmly in leash, but it is not so attractive when turned loose upon a defenseless and unerudite public.
AGNES REPPLIERIt is not what we learn in conversation that enriches us. It is the elation that comes of swift contact with tingling currents of thought.
AGNES REPPLIERNow the pessimist proper is the most modest of men. … under no circumstances does he presume to imagine that he, a mere unit of pain, can in any degree change or soften the remorseless words of fate.
AGNES REPPLIERThe audience is the controlling factor in the actor’s life. It is practically infallible, since there is no appeal from its verdict. It is a little like a supreme court composed of irresponsible minors.
AGNES REPPLIERWe owe to one another all the wit and good humour we can command; and nothing so clears our mental vistas as sympathetic and intelligent conversation.
AGNES REPPLIEROur belief in education is unbounded, our reverence for it is unfaltering, our loyalty to it is unshaken by reverses. Our passionate desire, not so much to acquire it as to bestow it, is the most animated of American traits.
AGNES REPPLIERNext to the joy of the egotist is the joy of the detractor.
AGNES REPPLIERThere is a natural limit to the success we wish our friends, even when we have spurred them on their way.
AGNES REPPLIERWe know when we have had enough of a friend, and we know when a friend has had enough of us. The first truth is no more palatable than the second.
AGNES REPPLIERLaughter springs from the lawless part of our nature.
AGNES REPPLIERLetter-writing on the part of a busy man or woman is the quintessence of generosity.
AGNES REPPLIERNeatness of phrase is so closely akin to wit that it is often accepted as its substitute.
AGNES REPPLIERLike simplicity and candor, and other much-commented qualities, enthusiasm is charming until we meet it face to face, and cannot escape from its charm.
AGNES REPPLIERWhile art may instruct as well as please, it can nevertheless be true art without instructing, but not without pleasing.
AGNES REPPLIER