I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.

I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.

I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.

I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.

Important principles may and must be inflexible.

Important principles may and must be inflexible.

I am the only person in the world I should like to know thoroughly.

I am the only person in the world I should like to know thoroughly.

I don't at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.

I don't at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.

When a fellow says it hain't the money but the principle o' the thing, it's th' money.

When a fellow says it hain't the money but the principle o' the thing, it's th' money.

I have nothing to declare except my genius.

I have nothing to declare except my genius.

I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is read more

I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use. It is hitting below the intellect.

'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, read more

'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.