If a secret history of books could be written, and the author's private thoughts and meanings noted down alongside of his story, how many insipid volumes would become interesting, and dull tales excite the reader!

Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray

Topics: Books Quotes

The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of...

The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of...

People who do not know how to laugh are always pompous and self-conceited.

People who do not know how to laugh are always pompous and self-conceited.

Mother is the name of God in the lips and hearts of children.

Mother is the name of God in the lips and hearts of children.

Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.

Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.

There are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till...

There are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till...

A clever, ugly man every now and then is successful with the ladies, but a...

A clever, ugly man every now and then is successful with the ladies, but a...

People hate as they love, unreasonably.

People hate as they love, unreasonably.

When I walk with you I feel as if I had a flower in my...

When I walk with you I feel as if I had a flower in my...

Novelty has charms that our minds can hardly withstand

Novelty has charms that our minds can hardly withstand

'Tis strange what a man may do, and a woman yet think him an angel.

'Tis strange what a man may do, and a woman yet think him an angel.

Bravery never goes out of fashion

Bravery never goes out of fashion

To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, the next best.

To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, the next best.

Do not be in a hurry to succeed. What would you have to live for...

Do not be in a hurry to succeed. What would you have to live for...

Next to the young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.

Next to the young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.

Except for the young or very happy, I can't say I am sorry for anyone...

Except for the young or very happy, I can't say I am sorry for anyone...

The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar, familiar...

The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar, familiar...

Kindnesses are easily forgotten; but injuries! what worthy man does not keep those in mind?

Kindnesses are easily forgotten; but injuries! what worthy man does not keep those in mind?

Let a man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim: Attacking...

Let a man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim: Attacking...

I would rather make my name than inherit it.

I would rather make my name than inherit it.

What money is better bestowed than that of a schoolboy's tip? How the kindness is...

What money is better bestowed than that of a schoolboy's tip? How the kindness is...