“The captain would...turn off the conversation, like a consummate man of the world, to some topic of general interest, such as the Opera, the Prince's last ball at Carlton House, or the weather - that blessing to society.” — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
“To those great geniuses now in petticoats, who shall write novels for the beloved reader's children, these men and things will be as much… — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
When one fib becomes due as it were, you must forge another to take up the old acceptance; and so the stock of your… — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
Let a man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim: Attacking is the only secret. Dare and the world yields,… — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
As nature made every man with a nose and eyes of his own, she gave him a character of his own, too; and yet… — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
It is best to love wisely, no doubt; but to love foolishly is better than not to be able to love at all. — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
Our great thoughts, our great affections, the truths of our life, never leave us. Surely they can not separate from our consciousness, shall follow… — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
Charming Alnaschar visions! it is the happy privilege of youth to construct you. — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
To see a young couple loving each other is no wonder; but to see an old couple loving each other is the best sight… — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
An immense percentage of snobs, I believe, is to be found in every rank of this mortal life. — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
Novelty has charms that our minds can hardly withstand. — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
“Picture to yourself, O fair young reader, a worldly, selfish, graceless, thankless, religionless old woman, writhing in pain and fear, and without her wig.… — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
Certain opuscules, denominated 'Christmas Books,' with the ostensible intention of swelling the tide of exhilaration, or other expansive emotions, incident upon the exodus of… — William Makepeace Thackeray Copy Share Image
