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

Quote by Samuel Butler

Topics: Samuel Butler Quotes

People are always good company when they are doing what they really enjoy.

People are always good company when they are doing what they really enjoy.

Our minds want clothes as much as our bodies.

Our minds want clothes as much as our bodies.

The oldest books are only just out to those who have not read them.

The oldest books are only just out to those who have not read them.

The Ancient Mariner would not have taken so well if it had been called The...

The Ancient Mariner would not have taken so well if it had been called The...

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...

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...

The best liar is he who makes the smallest amount of lying go the longest...

The best liar is he who makes the smallest amount of lying go the longest...

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 give pain is the tyranny; to make happy, the true empire of beauty.

To give pain is the tyranny; to make happy, the true empire of beauty.

In old times people used to try and square the circle; now they try and...

In old times people used to try and square the circle; now they try and...

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.

Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to...

Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to...

For most men, and most circumstances, pleasure --tangible material prosperity in this world --is the...

For most men, and most circumstances, pleasure --tangible material prosperity in this world --is the...

There is no true gracefulness which is not epitomized goodness.

There is no true gracefulness which is not epitomized goodness.

And so there is no God but has been in the loins of past gods.

And so there is no God but has been in the loins of past gods.

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...

Mr. Tennyson has said that more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams...

Mr. Tennyson has said that more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams...

Oaths are but words, and words but wind.

Oaths are but words, and words but wind.

'Trust' is important. But once a promise is broken 'sorry' means nothing.

'Trust' is important. But once a promise is broken 'sorry' means nothing.

He loses his thanks who promises and delays.

He loses his thanks who promises and delays.