It is often said that men are ruled by their imaginations; but it would be truer to say they are governed by the weakness of their imaginations.
An influential member of parliament has not only to pay much money to become such, and to give time and labour, he has also to sacrifice his mind too – at least all the characteristics part of it that which is original and most his own.
All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality – the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to escape.
A constitutional statesman is in general a man of common opinions and uncommon abilities.
A severe though not unfriendly critic of our institutions said that the cure for admiring the House of Lords was to go and look at it.
The reason that there are so few good books written is that so few people who write know anything.
Poverty is an anomaly to rich people; it is very difficult to make out why people who want dinner do not ring the bell.
Men who do not make advances to women are apt to become victims to women who make advances to them.
So long as war is the main business of nations, temporary despotism – despotism during the campaign – is indispensable.
Life is a school of probability.
You may talk of the tyranny of Nero and Tiberius; but the real tyranny is the tyranny of your next-door neighbor.
The reason why so few good books are written is that so few people who can write know anything.
What impresses men is not mind, but the result of mind.
A schoolmaster should have an atmosphere of awe, and walk wonderingly, as if he was amazed at being himself.
