Wit penetrates; humor envelops. Wit is a function of verbal intelligence; humor is imagination operating on good nature.

Wit penetrates; humor envelops. Wit is a function of verbal intelligence; humor is imagination operating on good nature.

Brevity is the body and soul of wit.

Brevity is the body and soul of wit.

Wit is the epitaph of an emotion

Wit is the epitaph of an emotion

Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.

Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.

With little wit and ease to suit them,
They whirl in narrow circling trails,
Like kittens playing read more

With little wit and ease to suit them,
They whirl in narrow circling trails,
Like kittens playing with their tails.
[Ger., Mit wenig Witz und viel Behagen
Dreht jeder sich im engen Zirkeltanz
Wie junge Katzen mit dem Schwanz.]

The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

Wit is the clash and reconcilement of incongruities; the meeting
of extremes round a corner.

Wit is the clash and reconcilement of incongruities; the meeting
of extremes round a corner.

Wit is far more often a shield than a lance

Wit is far more often a shield than a lance

Wit, now and then, struck smartly, shows a spark.

Wit, now and then, struck smartly, shows a spark.