“The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel.”

— Horace Walpole, Letter to Anne, Countess of Ossory (16 August 1776)

About Horace Walpole

1717 – 1797

English writer and politician, author of "The Castle of Otranto" and a prolific correspondent.

“It always amazes me, when I reflect on the women, who are the first to propagate scandal of one another.”

“It appears to me as odd to write to you of St. Peter's, as it would do to you to write of Westminster-abbey.”

“If a passion for freedom is not in vogue, patriots may sound the alarm till they are weary.”

“I can resist everything except temptation.”

“Without music, life would be a mistake.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

“The family is always the family but during vacations it is an extended family and that is exhausting.”