400 Quotes by William Makepeace Thackeray

To forego even ambition when the end is gained – who can say this is not greatness?

Except for the young or very happy, I can’t say I am sorry for anyone who dies.

A woman with fair opportunities, and without an absolute hump, may marry whom she likes. Only let us be thankful that the darlings are like the beasts of the field, and don’t know their own power. They would overcome us entirely if they did.

We love being in love, that’s the truth on’t.

Picture to yourself, O fair young reader, a worldly, selfish, graceless, thankless, religionless old woman, writhing in pain and fear, and without her wig. Picture her to yourself, and ere you be old, learn to love and pray.

When a mother, as fond mothers will; vows that she knows every thought in her daughter’s heart, I think she pretends to know a great deal too much.

The affection of young ladies is of as rapid growth as Jack’s beanstalk, and reaches up to the sky in a night.

Choose a good disagreeable friend, if you be wise – a surly, steady, economical, rigid fellow.

Perhaps there is no greater test of a man’s regularity and easiness of conscience than his readiness to face the postman. Blessed is he who is made happy by the sound of a rat-tat! The good are eager for it; but the naughty tremble at the sound thereof.