A slight daily unconscious luxury is hardly ever wanting to the dwellers in civilization; like the gentle air of a genial climate, it is a perpetual minute enjoyment.

A constitutional statesman is in general a man of common opinions and uncommon abilities.

An ambassador is not simply an agent; he is also a spectacle.

An element of exaggeration clings to the popular judgment: great vices are made greater, great virtues greater also; interesting incidents are made more interesting, softer legends more soft.

Open-mindedness should not be fostered because, as Scripture teaches, Truth is great and will prevail, nor because, as Milton suggests, Truth will always win in a free and open encounter. It should be fostered for its own sake.

A Parliament is nothing less than a big meeting of more or less idle people.

A severe though not unfriendly critic of our institutions said that the cure for admiring the House of Lords was to go and look at it.

All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality - the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to escape.

A schoolmaster should have an atmosphere of awe, and walk wonderingly, as if he was amazed at being himself.