Sydney Smith (3 June 1771 – 22 February 1845) was an English wit, writer and Anglican cleric. Sydney Smith. Read full biography of Sydney Smith →
Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.
The thing about performance, even if it's only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite... →
Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated; often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who... →
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... →
It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.
I look upon Switzerland as an inferior sort of Scotland.
Madam, I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life; let us swear eternal friendship.
Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities which our fellow creatures love and respect.
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... →
Find fault when you must find fault in private, and if possible sometime after the offense, rather than at the time.
Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed.
Among the smaller duties of life I hardly know any one more important than that of not praising where praise is not due.
A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.