There is no dignity in wickedness, whether in purple or rags; and hell is a democracy of devils, where all are equals.

Quote by Herman Melville

Topics: Herman Melville Quotes

In this world, shipmates, sin that pays its way can travel freely, and without passport;...

In this world, shipmates, sin that pays its way can travel freely, and without passport;...

Better to sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian.

Better to sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian.

For whatever is truly wondrous and fearful in man, never yet was put into words...

For whatever is truly wondrous and fearful in man, never yet was put into 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.

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.

If some books are deemed most baneful and their sale forbid, how, then, with deadlier...

If some books are deemed most baneful and their sale forbid, how, then, with deadlier...

It is not down in any map; true places never are.

It is not down in any map; true places never are.

They talk of the dignity of work. The dignity is in leisure.

They talk of the dignity of work. The dignity is in leisure.

I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll...

I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll...

Whatever fortune brings, don't be afraid of doing things.

Whatever fortune brings, don't be afraid of doing things.

To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring...

To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring...

Better sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian.

Better sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian.

There is all of the difference in the world between paying and being paid.

There is all of the difference in the world between paying and being paid.

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

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

Art is the objectification of feeling.

Art is the objectification of feeling.

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.

There are some persons in this world, who, unable to give better proof of being...

There are some persons in this world, who, unable to give better proof of being...

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.

Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its ragged edges.

Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its ragged edges.