Sydney Smith

Science is his forte, and omniscience his foible.

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

What a pity it is that we have no amusements in England but vice and religion!

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.

A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.

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

Madam, I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life let us swear eternal friendship.

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.

Do not try to push your way through to the front ranks of your profession do not run after distinctions and rewards but do your utmost to find an entry into the world of beauty.