"Yet though her mien carries much more invitation than command, to behold her is an immediate check to loose behaviour; and to love her is a liberal education."
"We moved from what cultural historians call a culture of character to a culture of personality. During the culture of character, what was important was the good deeds that you performed when nobody was looking. … But at the turn of the (20th) century, when we moved into this culture of personality, suddenly what was admired was to be magnetic and charismatic."
"Our stability is but balance, and conduct lies In masterful administration of the unforseen."
"So well she acted all and every part By turns—with that vivacious versatility, Which many people take for want of heart. They err—tis merely what is calld mobility, A thing of temperament and not of art, Though seeming so, from its supposed facility; And false—though true; for surely theyre sincerest Who are strongly acted on by what is nearest."
"We must have a weak spot or two in a character before we can love it much. People that do not laugh or cry, or take more of anything than is good for them, or use anything but dictionary-words, are admirable subjects for biographies. But we dont care most for those flat pattern flowers that press best in the herbarium."
"Hannibal, as he had mighty virtues, so had he many vices; * * * he had two distinct persons in him."
"Though equal to all things, for all things unfit; Too nice for a statesman, too proud for a wit."