William Makepeace Thackeray quotes

Great ministers and statesmen courted him; and in Vanity Fair he had a higher place than the most brilliant genius or spotless virtue.

"Revenge may be wicked, but it's natural," answered Miss Rebecca. "I'm no angel."

— Miss Rebecca · Chapter II

The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion; and so let all young persons take their choice.

Vanitas Vanitatum! which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?

Yes, if a man's character is to be abused, say what you will, there's nobody like a relation to do the business.

I am tempted to think that to be despised by her sex is a very great compliment to a woman.

If people only made prudent marriages, what a stop to population there would be!

Some cynical Frenchman has said that there are two parties to a love-transaction: the one who loves and the other who condescends to be so treated.

But oh, mesdames, if you are not allowed to touch the heart sometimes in spite of syntax, and are not to be loved until you all know the difference between trimeter and tetrameter, may all Poetry go to the deuce, and every schoolmaster perish miserably!

It is quite edifying to hear women speculate upon the worthlessness and the duration of beauty.

As the gambler said of his dice, to love and win is the best thing, to love and lose is the next best.

And the Fairy Blackstick said, ‘Bless you, my darling children! Now you are united and happy; and now you see what I said from the first, that a little misfortune has done you both good.