Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give lustre, and many more people see than weigh.

When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms, the lustre of a beautiful woman is brighter than the stars of heaven, and the influence of her power it is in vain to resist.

I know quite well why I became a historian.... It was because dissension was frowned upon when I was a child: 'Don't argue, Claudia,' 'Claudia, you must not answer back like that.' Argument, of course, is the whole point of history. Disagreement; my word against yours; this evidence against that. If there were such a thing as absolute truth the debate would lose its lustre. I, for one, would no longer be interested.

Knowledge may give weight but accomplishments give lustre and many more people see than weigh.

When virtue and modesty enlighten her charms the lustre of a beautiful woman is brighter than the stars of heaven and the influence of her power it is in vain to resist.