64 quotes
The books that one reads in the impressionable years, and therefore absorbs and remembers, are always so much better and more exciting than life.
Loiterer's Harvest (1913)
A second-hand bookseller, I found, may read much in his time, but he cannot read continuously.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
The man who is so painstakingly cautious about doing his own body no harm seldom does anything for anyone else.
Zigzags in France (1925)
I have noticed that the people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them.
The Phantom Journal (1919)
"What was that?" said Grandmamma, who is not really deaf, but when in a tight place likes to gain time by this harmless imposition.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
Americans are people who prefer the Continent to their own country, but refuse to learn its languages.
In England it is a very dangerous handicap to have a sense of humour; and Whistler's levity had always stood in his way.
This is it: "There are two words for everything." Surely that is wisdom! The whole theory of party politics is in it, for one thing; and indeed all argument.
Loiterer's Harvest (1913)
There are moments when one is more ashamed of what is called culture than any one can ever be of ignorance.
The French never allow a distinguished son of France to lack a statue.
Zigzags in France (1925)
There can be no defence like elaborate courtesy.
The trouble is that really wanting things is so rare. It's a lukewarm world!
Rose and Rose (1921)
People in hotels strike no roots. The French phrase for chronic hotel guests even says so: they are called dwellers sur la branche.
Encounters and Diversions (1924)
Cynicism and self-esteem run through everything. Christian of course we never were, and never shall be, not even in adversity; but we are no longer in the least afraid of God.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
Virtue we still consider the best goal for others: but for ourselves, success. Success is the new god, and will be, I suppose, for some time yet, so zealously is the altar flame guarded.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
What can become of book-hunting...if everything is reprinted in uniform binding for a shilling or sixpence?
Over Bemerton's (1908)
The time for second-hand book-shops...is after one's work, not during one's work.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
The truth is the only thing worth having, and, in a civilized life, like ours, where so many risks are removed, facing it is almost the only courageous thing left to do.
Rose and Rose (1921)
The true Londoner cares no straw for sanitation. He thrives on ill conditions.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
Poor G.K.C., his day is past—
Now God will know the truth at last.