You and I do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.

You and I do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.

The people recognize themselves in their commodities; they find their soul in their automobile, hi-fi set, split-level home, kitchen equipment.

The people recognize themselves in their commodities; they find their soul in their automobile, hi-fi set, split-level home, kitchen equipment.

Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance. - read more

Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance. - The Art of Worldy Wisdom, 1647.

Do not hold everything as gold which shines like gold.

Do not hold everything as gold which shines like gold.

Throughout the centuries, man has considered himself beautiful. I rather suppose that man only believes in his own beauty out read more

Throughout the centuries, man has considered himself beautiful. I rather suppose that man only believes in his own beauty out of pride; that he is not really beautiful and he suspects this himself; for why does he look on the face of his fellow-man with such scorn?

Nobody creates a fad. It just happens. People love going along with the idea of a beautiful pig. It's like read more

Nobody creates a fad. It just happens. People love going along with the idea of a beautiful pig. It's like a conspiracy.

Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake.

Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake.

Style is the dress of thoughts; and let them be ever so just, if your style is homely, coarse, and read more

Style is the dress of thoughts; and let them be ever so just, if your style is homely, coarse, and vulgar, they will appear to as much disadvantage, and be as ill received, as your person, though ever so well-proportioned, would if dressed in rags, dirt, and tatters.

If there is a single quality that is shared by all great men, it is vanity. But I mean by read more

If there is a single quality that is shared by all great men, it is vanity. But I mean by "vanity" only that they appreciate their own worth. Without this kind of vanity they would not be great. And with vanity alone, of course, a man is nothing.