They say the test of literary power is whether a man can write an inscription. I say, 'Can he name a kitten?'

Quote by Samuel Butler

Topics: Samuel Butler Quotes

A man who lets himself be bored is even more contemptible than the bore.

A man who lets himself be bored is even more contemptible than the bore.

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by...

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by...

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

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

A virtue to be serviceable must, like gold, be alloyed with some commoner, but more...

A virtue to be serviceable must, like gold, be alloyed with some commoner, but more...

The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself...

The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself...

It is tact that is golden, not silence.

It is tact that is golden, not silence.

One of the first businesses of a sensible man is to know when he is...

One of the first businesses of a sensible man is to know when he is...

In law, nothing is certain but the expense.

In law, nothing is certain but the expense.

Life is a quarry, out of which we are to mold and chisel and complete...

Life is a quarry, out of which we are to mold and chisel and complete...

I really do not see much use in exalting the humble and meek; they do...

I really do not see much use in exalting the humble and meek; they do...

Work with some men is as besetting a sin as idleness.

Work with some men is as besetting a sin as idleness.

There is no true gracefulness which is not epitomized goodness.

There is no true gracefulness which is not epitomized goodness.

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.

If there is any moral in Christianity, if there is anything to be learned from...

If there is any moral in Christianity, if there is anything to be learned from...

The one serious conviction that a man should have is that nothing is to be...

The one serious conviction that a man should have is that nothing is to be...

Let us be grateful to the mirror for revealing to us our appearance only.

Let us be grateful to the mirror for revealing to us our appearance only.

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...

It is seldom very hard to do one's duty when one knows what it is,...

It is seldom very hard to do one's duty when one knows what it is,...

Priests are not men of the world; it is not intended that they should be;...

Priests are not men of the world; it is not intended that they should be;...

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...