1811-1863, Indian-born British Novelist
'Tis not the dying for a faith that's so hard… 'Tis the living up to it that's difficult.
William M. Thackeray – [Faith]
'Tis strange what a man may do, and a woman yet think him an angel.
William M. Thackeray – [Men and Women]
A good laugh is sunshine in the house.
William M. Thackeray – [Laughter]
Certain it is that scandal is good brisk talk, whereas praise of one's neighbor is by no means lively hearing. An acquaintance grilled, scored, devilled, and served with mustard and cayenne pepper excites the appetite; whereas a slice of cold friend with currant jelly is but a sickly, unrelishing meat.
William M. Thackeray – [Scandal]
Come children, let us shut up the box and the puppets, for our play is played out.
William M. Thackeray – [Childhood]
Despair is perfectly compatible with a good dinner, I promise you.
William M. Thackeray – [Despair]
Do not be in a hurry to succeed. What would you have to live for afterwards? Better make the horizon your goal; it will always be ahead of you.
William M. Thackeray – [Success]
Except for the young or very happy, I can't say I am sorry for anyone who dies.
William M. Thackeray – [Death and Dying]
Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.
William M. Thackeray – [Humor]
I never know whether to pity or congratulate a man on coming to his senses.
William M. Thackeray – [Senses]
I would rather make my name than inherit it.
William M. Thackeray – [Inheritance]
If a man character is to be abused there's nobody like a relative to do the business.
William M. Thackeray – [Character]
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!
William M. Thackeray – [Books and Reading]
If, in looking at the lives of princes, courtiers, men of rank and fashion, we must perforce depict them as idle, profligate, and criminal, we must make allowances for the rich men's failings, and recollect that we, too, were very likely indolent and voluptuous, had we no motive for work, a mortal's natural taste for pleasure, and the daily temptation of a large income. What could a great peer, with a great castle and park, and a great fortune, do but be splendid and idle?
William M. Thackeray – [Aristocracy]
It is best to love wisely, no doubt: but to love foolishly is better than not to be able to love at all.
William M. Thackeray – [Infatuation]
It is to the middle-class we must look for the safety of England.
William M. Thackeray – [Middle Class]
It's not dying for faith that's so hard, it's living up to it.
William M. Thackeray – [Faith]
Kindnesses are easily forgotten; but injuries! — what worthy man does not keep those in mind?
William M. Thackeray – [Injury]
Let a man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim: Attacking is the only secret. Dare and the world yields, or if it beats you sometimes, dare it again and you will succeed.
William M. Thackeray – [Risk]
Next to excellence, comes the appreciation of it.
William M. Thackeray – [Motivation]