Avoid giving invitations to bores – they will come without.

Ignorant people always suppose that popular writers are wonderfully well-paid – and must be making rapid fortunes – because they neither starve in garrets, nor wear rags – at least in America.

Gratitude is a very pleasant sensation, both for those who feel and to those who excite it. No one who confers a favor can say with truth that they ‘want no thanks.’ They always do.

Many persons erroneously suppose that an author has always on hand an unlimited number of her own books; or that the publisher will kindly give her as many as she can want for herself and friends. This is by no means the case.

If a person begins by telling you, ‘Do not be offended at what I am going to say,’ prepare yourself for something that she knows will certainly offend you.

On this earth there are many roads to heaven; and each traveller supposes his own to be the best. But they must all unite in one road at the last. It is only Omniscience that can decide. And it will then be found that no sect is excluded because of its faith...

Flattery is praise without foundation.