The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered but a general effect of pleasing impression.

Repartee is perfect when it effects its purpose with a double edge. It is the highest order of wit, as it indicates the coolest yet quickest exercise of genius, at a moment when the passions are roused.

Reply to wit with gravity, and to gravity with wit.

The primary use of conversation is to satisfy the impulse to talk.

In my opinion, the most fruitful and natural play of the mind is in conversation. I find it sweeter than any other action in life; and if I were forced to choose, I think I would rather lose my sight than my hearing and voice. The study of books is a drowsy and feeble exercise which does not warm you up.

She has lost the art of conversation, but not, unfortunately, the power of speech.

We do not talk -- we bludgeon one another with facts and theories gleaned from cursory readings of newspapers, magazines and digests.

The great secret of succeeding in conversation is to admire little, to hear much; always to distrust our own reason, and sometimes that of our friends; never to pretend to wit, but to make that of others appear as much as possibly we can; to hearken to what is said and to answer to the purpose.

Conversation is an art in which a man has all mankind for competitors.

There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees.