Sydney Smith

“Never talk for half a minute without pausing and giving others a chance to join in.”

“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.”

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

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