Sydney Smith

The thing about performance, even if it's only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities.

Solitude cherishes great virtues and destroys little ones.

No man can ever end with being superior who will not begin with being inferior.

It is safest to be moderately base - to be flexible in shame, and to be always ready for what is generous, good, and just, when anything is to be gained by virtue.

Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities which our fellow creatures love and respect.

Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated; often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them.

What would life be without arithmetic, but a scene of horrors?

Among the smaller duties of life I hardly know any one more important than that of not praising where praise is not due.

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.

Have the courage to be ignorant of a great number of things, in order to avoid the calamity of being ignorant of everything.

A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort.

Live always in the best company when you read.