I attribute the little I know to my not having been ashamed to ask for information, and to my rule read more

I attribute the little I know to my not having been ashamed to ask for information, and to my rule of conversing with all descriptions of men on those topics that form their own peculiar professions and pursuits.

Not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult, to leave unsaid the wrong read more

Not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: I do not know.

Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: I do not know.

Conversation may be compared to a lyre with seven chords - philosophy, art, poetry, love, scandal, and the weather.

Conversation may be compared to a lyre with seven chords - philosophy, art, poetry, love, scandal, and the weather.

Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen.

Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen.

Do you ever think if people heard our conversations they'd lock us up?" All the time.

Do you ever think if people heard our conversations they'd lock us up?" All the time.

I love any discourse of rivers, and fish and fishing.

I love any discourse of rivers, and fish and fishing.

And when you stick on conversation's burs,
Don't strew your pathway with those dreadful urs.

And when you stick on conversation's burs,
Don't strew your pathway with those dreadful urs.

Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of
existence.

Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of
existence.