The genius of the Spanish people is exquisitely subtle, without being at all acute; hence there is so much humour and so little wit in their literature.

Exclusively of the abstract sciences, the largest and worthiest portion of our knowledge consists of aphorisms: and the greatest and best of men is but an aphorism.

Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.

There is one art of which people should be masters - the art of reflection.

Humor is consistent with pathos, whilst wit is not.

A great mind must be androgynous.

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea.

That gracious thing, made up of tears and light.

The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and the heavenly Father.

Religion is the most gentlemanly thing in the world. It alone will gentilize, if unmixed with cant.

Poor little Foal of an oppressed race! I love the languid patience of thy face.

The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.

Wisdom often comes from those with the least to lose.

My mother is very wise and intelligent. If I have children and can do half as good a job as she did in keeping me in line, I'll be very happy.

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

The sinner is not the one who uses a lot of grace... The saint burns grace like a 747 burns fuel on take off.

Marriage is not common in Sweden.

Strawberry Fields is anywhere you want to go

Once you know the difference between right and wrong, you have lots fewer decisions to make.

It's odd that I'm a big name in America and not known in Britain.

That's all well and good in practice, but how does it work in theory?