“There were others equally good in their way, of which I remember the outlines, but as they are longer and more elaborate, I could only quote them imperfectly, and, that being so, it is better not to quote them at all.”

Preferring omission to an inaccurate quotation · Reminiscences and Opinions, 1886

• Memory
• Truth

“Most of these conversations, as is the case with all the finest and wittiest talk, have effervesced away for ever.”

Observing how even brilliant conversation can vanish once its moment has passed · Reminiscences and Opinions, 1886

• Friendship
• Memory
• Time

“I write from memory alone; and of memory the principal fountain-head is, and must be, the association of ideas.”

Treating association as the natural engine of autobiographical memory · Reminiscences and Opinions, 1886

• Memory
• Truth

“It has always been my belief that a more living knowledge of the past is to be obtained by studying the State Trials than by poring over formal narrations, however highly esteemed.”

Arguing that vivid primary records can bring the past to life · Reminiscences and Opinions, 1886

• Memory
• Time
• Truth

“Indeed, what I am about to give to the world resembles rather a spirit distilled from the vin ordinaire of a life-talk, and bottled for future use, than a literary production.”

Describing memoir as the distilled essence of remembered conversation · Reminiscences and Opinions, 1886

• Art
• Memory
• Time