Faith, like a jackal, feeds among the tombs, and even from these dead doubts she gathers her most vital hope.

Quote by Herman Melville

Topics: Herman Melville Quotes

I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.

I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.

Truth is in things, and not in words.

Truth is in things, and not in words.

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

There is one knows not what sweet mystery about this sea, whose gently awful stirrings...

There is one knows not what sweet mystery about this sea, whose gently awful stirrings...

There are certain queer times and occasions in this strange mixed affair we call life...

There are certain queer times and occasions in this strange mixed affair we call life...

At sea a fellow comes out. Salt water is like wine, in that respect.

At sea a fellow comes out. Salt water is like wine, in that respect.

Let America first praise mediocrity even, in her children, before she praises... the best excellence...

Let America first praise mediocrity even, in her children, before she praises... the best excellence...

A man thinks that by mouthing hard words he understands hard things.

A man thinks that by mouthing hard words he understands hard things.

To be hated cordially, is only a left-handed compliment.

To be hated cordially, is only a left-handed compliment.

There is sorrow in the world, but goodness too; and goodness that is not greenness,...

There is sorrow in the world, but goodness too; and goodness that is not greenness,...

We may have civilized bodies and yet barbarous souls. We are blind to the real...

We may have civilized bodies and yet barbarous souls. We are blind to the real...

The march of conquest through wild provinces, may be the march of Mind; but not...

The march of conquest through wild provinces, may be the march of Mind; but not...

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities.

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities.

God help thee, old man, thy thoughts have created a creature in thee; and he...

God help thee, old man, thy thoughts have created a creature in thee; and he...

All men live enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but...

All men live enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but...

There are times when even the most potent governor must wink at transgression, in order...

There are times when even the most potent governor must wink at transgression, in order...

There is no dignity in wickedness, whether in purple or rags; and hell is a...

There is no dignity in wickedness, whether in purple or rags; and hell is a...

Old age is always wakeful; as if, the longer linked with life, the less man...

Old age is always wakeful; as if, the longer linked with life, the less man...

To be called one thing, is oftentimes to be another.

To be called one thing, is oftentimes to be another.

There are hardly five critics in America; and several of them are asleep.

There are hardly five critics in America; and several of them are asleep.