The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest. – Robert Benchley
Encourage and pursue an inclination to reading early in life; it is laying up a treasure for the latter part of it… – Countess Dowager of Carlisle, Thoughts in the Form of Maxims addressed to Young
If you ever get rich and famous, by definition you are special. You have done something special, and therefore you start to behave special. Then if the floor drops out, and you become down and out, you have a really new perspective. – Danny Bonaduce
Without philosophy there can be no true poetry: without it pretty verses may, indeed, be made; but in order to be really a poet it is essential to be also, up to a certain point, a philosopher. – Alexandre Vinet (1797–1847)