William Makepeace Thackeray, English novelist

“The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion; and so let all young persons take their choice.” (from “Vanity Fair,” 1848)

July 18, 1811-Dec. 24, 1863