It is seldom very hard to do one's duty when one knows what it is, but it is often exceedingly difficult to find this out.

Quote by Samuel Butler

Topics: Samuel Butler Quotes

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but a little want of knowledge is also...

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but a little want of knowledge is also...

For truth is precious and divine, too rich a pearl for carnal swine.

For truth is precious and divine, too rich a pearl for carnal swine.

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...

The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, and pride and arrogance.

The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, and pride and arrogance.

The voice of the Lord is the voice of common sense, which is shared by...

The voice of the Lord is the voice of common sense, which is shared by...

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

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

Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the...

Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the...

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...

Oaths are but words, and words but wind.

Oaths are but words, and words but wind.

All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is...

All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is...

I never knew a writer yet who took the smallest pains with his style and...

I never knew a writer yet who took the smallest pains with his style and...

A lawyer's dream of heaven: every man reclaimed his property at the resurrection, and each...

A lawyer's dream of heaven: every man reclaimed his property at the resurrection, and each...

Those who have never had a father can at any rate never know the sweets...

Those who have never had a father can at any rate never know the sweets...

It is the function of vice to keep virtue within reasonable bounds.

It is the function of vice to keep virtue within reasonable bounds.

Man is God's highest present development. He is the latest thing in God.

Man is God's highest present development. He is the latest thing in God.

Self-preservation is the first law of nature.

Self-preservation is the first law of nature.

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

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

When you have told anyone you have left him a legacy, the only decent thing...

When you have told anyone you have left him a legacy, the only decent thing...

Self-preservation is the first law of nature.

Self-preservation is the first law of nature.

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...