“I scowled defensively. "My conversations don't usually include the subject of erections.""Too bad," he said. "All the best conversations do.”

“I've always been impulsive. My thinking is usually pretty good, but I always seem to do it after I do my talking — by which time I've generally destroyed all basis for further conversation.”

“Conversation between Jem and Ethan on Sean:'"... Has it never occurred to you that maybe your brother brings out the worst in people?""Or the best," he said, "depending on which way you look at it.""You're as bad as he is.""Actually, I'm much worse.”

“Make Things rather than Persons the subjects of conversations.”

“My idea of good company...is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.' 'You are mistaken,' said he gently, 'that is not good company, that is the best.”

“There is bad in all good authors: what a pity the converse isn't true!”