Conversation is an exercise of the mind; gossip is merely an exercise of the tongue.

Conversation is an exercise of the mind; gossip is merely an exercise of the tongue.

Conversation is a game of circles.

Conversation is a game of circles.

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

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

Method is not less requisite in ordinary conversation than in
writing, provided a man would talk to make himself read more

Method is not less requisite in ordinary conversation than in
writing, provided a man would talk to make himself understood.

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue read more

I never, with important air,
In conversation overbear.
. . . .
My tongue within my lips I rein;
For who talks much must talk in vain.

A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better
than ten years' study of books.

A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better
than ten years' study of books.

Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen.

Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen.

Conversation should touch everything, but should concentrate itself on nothing.

Conversation should touch everything, but should concentrate itself on nothing.

They converse as those who know that God hears.
[Lat., Ita fabulantur ut qui sciant Dominum audire.]

They converse as those who know that God hears.
[Lat., Ita fabulantur ut qui sciant Dominum audire.]