An idea must not be condemned for being a little shy and incoherent; all new ideas are shy when introduced first among our old ones. We should have patience and see whether the incoherency is likely to wear off or…

Quote by Samuel Butler

Topics: Ideas 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.

Brigands demand your money or your life; women require both.

Brigands demand your money or your life; women require both.

There is nothing which at once affects a man so much and so little as...

There is nothing which at once affects a man so much and so little as...

All animals, except man, know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it.

All animals, except man, know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it.

An open mind is all very well in its way, but it ought not to...

An open mind is all very well in its way, but it ought not to...

There are two great rules in life, the one general and the other particular. The...

There are two great rules in life, the one general and the other particular. The...

One who is proud of ancestry is like a turnip; there is nothing good of...

One who is proud of ancestry is like a turnip; there is nothing good of...

Opinions have vested interests just as men have.

Opinions have vested interests just as men have.

Justice is my being allowed to do whatever I like. Injustice is whatever prevents my...

Justice is my being allowed to do whatever I like. Injustice is whatever prevents my...

Life is not an exact science, it is an art.

Life is not an exact science, it is an art.

The phrase 'unconscious humor' is the one contribution I have made to the current literature...

The phrase 'unconscious humor' is the one contribution I have made to the current literature...

When the water of a place is bad it is safest to drink none that...

When the water of a place is bad it is safest to drink none that...

The dead should be judged like criminals, impartially, but they should be allowed the benefit...

The dead should be judged like criminals, impartially, but they should be allowed the benefit...

Friendship is like money, easier made than kept.

Friendship is like money, easier made than kept.

The want of money is the root of all evil.

The want of money is the root of all evil.

Evil is like water, it abounds, is cheap, soon fouls, but runs itself clear of...

Evil is like water, it abounds, is cheap, soon fouls, but runs itself clear of...

Neither irony or sarcasm is argument.

Neither irony or sarcasm is argument.

God as now generally conceived of is only the last witch.

God as now generally conceived of is only the last witch.

Christ was only crucified once and for a few hours. Think of the hundreds of...

Christ was only crucified once and for a few hours. Think of the hundreds of...

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

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