They say the test of literary power is whether a man can write an inscription. I say, 'Can he name a kitten?'

Quote by Samuel Butler

Topics: Samuel Butler Quotes

A skilful leech is better far, than half a hundred men of war.

A skilful leech is better far, than half a hundred men of war.

Is life worth living? This is a question for an embryo not for a man.

Is life worth living? This is a question for an embryo not for a man.

A sense of humor keen enough to show a man his own absurdities will keep...

A sense of humor keen enough to show a man his own absurdities will keep...

In law, nothing is certain but the expense.

In law, nothing is certain but the expense.

The man who takes time to explain his mistakes has little time left for anything...

The man who takes time to explain his mistakes has little time left for anything...

A sense of humor keen enough to show a man his own absurdities will keep...

A sense of humor keen enough to show a man his own absurdities will keep...

All truth is not to be told at all times.

All truth is not to be told at all times.

We all like to forgive, and love best not those who offend us least, nor...

We all like to forgive, and love best not those who offend us least, nor...

All philosophies, if you ride them home, are nonsense, but some are greater nonsense than...

All philosophies, if you ride them home, are nonsense, but some are greater nonsense than...

The advantage of doing one's praising to oneself is that one can lay it on...

The advantage of doing one's praising to oneself is that one can lay it on...

We think as we do, mainly because other people think so

We think as we do, mainly because other people think so

The most important service rendered by the press and the magazines is that of educating...

The most important service rendered by the press and the magazines is that of educating...

Men should not try to overstrain their goodness more than any other faculty, bodily or...

Men should not try to overstrain their goodness more than any other faculty, bodily or...

The want of money is the root of all evil.

The want of money is the root of all evil.

The sinews of art and literature, like those of war, are money.

The sinews of art and literature, like those of war, are money.

It is not he who gains the exact point in dispute who scores most in...

It is not he who gains the exact point in dispute who scores most in...

A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg.

A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg.

It is a wise tune that knows its own father, and I like my music...

It is a wise tune that knows its own father, and I like my music...

His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people - his imagination had never really accepted...

His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people - his imagination had never really accepted...

Parents should conduct their arguments in quiet, respectful tones, but in a foreign language. You'd...

Parents should conduct their arguments in quiet, respectful tones, but in a foreign language. You'd...