A great deal of talent is lost to the world for the want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves a number of obscure men who have only r… - Sydney Smith

A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort.

I have no relish for the country; it is a kind of healthy grave.

Madam, I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life; let us swear eternal friendship.

If you could be alarmed into the semblance of modesty, you would charm everybody; but remember my joke against you about the Moon and the Solar System;—"Damn the solar system! bad light — planets too distant — pestered with comets — feeble contriviance; — could make a better with great ease."