Whilst we deliberate how to begin a thing, it grows too late to begin it.
Write quickly and you will never write well; write well, and you will soon write quickly.
We should not write so that it is possible for the reader to understand us, but so that it is impossible for him to misunderstand us.
While we are making up our minds as to when we shall begin. the opportunity is lost.
Prune what is turgid, elevate what is commonplace, arrange what is disorderly, introduce rhythm where the language is harsh, modify where it is too absolute.
Vain hopes are like certain dreams of those who wake.
A liar should have a good memory.
We must form our minds by reading deep rather than wide.
If you direct your whole thought to work itself, none of the things which invade eyes or ears will reach the mind.
It is the heart which inspires eloquence.
A great part of art consists in imitation. For the whole conduct of life is based on this: that what we admire in others we want to do ourselves.
The perfection of art is to conceal art.
Everything that has a beginning comes to an end.
A mediocre speech supported by all the power of delivery will be more impressive than the best speech unaccompanied by such power.
Our minds are like our stomaches; they are whetted by the change of their food, and variety supplies both with fresh appetite.
As regards parents, I should like to see them as highly educated as possible, and I do not restrict this remark to fathers alone.
The gifts of nature are infinite in their variety, and mind differs from mind almost as much as body from body.