Alexander Smith

The world is not so much in need of new thoughts as that when thought grows old and worn with usage it should, like current coin, be called in, and, from the mint of genius, reissued fresh and new.

If the egotist is weak, his egotism is worthless. If the egotist is strong, acute, full of distinctive character, his egotism is precious, and remains a possession of the race.

If you do your fair day's work, you are certain to get your fair day's wage - in praise or pudding, whichever happens to suit your taste.

Everything is sweetened by risk.

The dead keep their secrets, and in a while we shall be as wise as they - and as taciturn.

To sit for one's portrait is like being present at one's own creation.