Half the vices which the world condemns most loudly have seeds of good in them and require moderate use rather than total abstinence.

Quote by Samuel Butler

Topics: Samuel Butler Quotes

If I die prematurely I shall be saved from being bored to death at my...

If I die prematurely I shall be saved from being bored to death at my...

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...

There is nothing so unthinkable as thought, unless it be the entire absence of thought.

There is nothing so unthinkable as thought, unless it be the entire absence of thought.

If people would dare to speak to one another unreservedly, there would be a good...

If people would dare to speak to one another unreservedly, there would be a good...

Theist and atheist: the fight between them is as to whether God shall be called...

Theist and atheist: the fight between them is as to whether God shall be called...

Don't learn to do, but learn in doing. Let your falls not be on a...

Don't learn to do, but learn in doing. Let your falls not be on a...

For every why he had a wherefore

For every why he had a wherefore

It has been said that the love of money is the root of all evil....

It has been said that the love of money is the root of all evil....

Though analogy is often misleading, it is the least misleading thing we have.

Though analogy is often misleading, it is the least misleading thing we have.

Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.

Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.

Human life is as evanescent as the morning dew or a flash of lightning.

Human life is as evanescent as the morning dew or a flash of lightning.

Conscience is thoroughly well-bred and soon leaves off talking to those who do not wish...

Conscience is thoroughly well-bred and soon leaves off talking to those who do not wish...

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...

Every man's work, whether it be literature, or music or pictures or architecture or anything...

Every man's work, whether it be literature, or music or pictures or architecture or anything...

God and the Devil are an effort after specialization and the division of labor.

God and the Devil are an effort after specialization and the division of labor.

Logic is like the sword - those who appeal to it, shall perish by it.

Logic is like the sword - those who appeal to it, shall perish by it.

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...

The history of the world is the record of the weakness, frailty and death of...

The history of the world is the record of the weakness, frailty and death of...

We are not won by arguments that we can analyse but by tone and temper,...

We are not won by arguments that we can analyse but by tone and temper,...

To know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should...

To know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should...