I should hate to be predictable. Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey

I can’t even pretend that I know what it’s like to feel this way about a home, but I love the idea of the love and care and labor that went into one of England’s great houses!

I’ve given my life to Downton. I was born here and I hope to die here. I claim no career beyond the nurture of this house and the estate. It is my third parent and my fourth child. Do I care about it? Yes, I do care! Lord Grantham on Downton Abbey

I have long believed this idea to be true, but have never been able to word it quite so eloquently:

Vulgarity is no substitute for wit. Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey

Sir Richard, life is a game, where the player must appear ridiculous. Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey

I’m a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I choose. Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey

No one ever learned anything from a governess except for French, and how to curtsy. Lady Sybil Crawley on Downton Abbey

Don’t be defeatist, dear. It’s very middle class. Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham-Downton Abbey