Is there some principal of nature which states that we never know the quality of what we have until it is gone?
HERMAN MELVILLEIs there some principal of nature which states that we never know the quality of what we have until it is gone?
HERMAN MELVILLEHeaven have mercy on us all – Presbyterians and Pagans alike – for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending.
HERMAN MELVILLEThere is nothing so slipperily alluring as sadness; we become sad in the first place by having nothing stirring to do; we continue in it, because we have found a snug sofa at last.
HERMAN MELVILLEDo not presume, well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed, to criticize the poor
HERMAN MELVILLEThe poor man wants many things; the covetous man, all.
HERMAN MELVILLEA smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities.
HERMAN MELVILLEThe worst of our evils we blindly inflict upon ourselves; our officers cannot remove them, even if they would.
HERMAN MELVILLEReal strength never impairs beauty or harmony, but it often bestows it, and in everything imposingly beautiful, strength has much to do with the magic.
HERMAN MELVILLEGenius, all over the world, stands hand in hand, and one shock of recognition runs the whole circle round.
HERMAN MELVILLELadies are like creeds; if you cannot speak well of them, say nothing.
HERMAN MELVILLEAll round and round does the world lie as in a sharp-shooter’s ambush, to pick off the beautiful illusions of youth, by the pitiless cracking rifles of the realities of age.
HERMAN MELVILLEWhat is an atheist, but one who does not, or will not, see in the universe a ruling principle of love; and what a misanthrope, but one who does not, or will not, see in man a ruling principle of kindness?
HERMAN MELVILLEWe cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.
HERMAN MELVILLEThere are some enterprises in which a careful disorderliness is the true method.
HERMAN MELVILLELet us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, – for it is a sign of strength to be weak, to know it, and out with it – not in a set way and ostentatiously, though, but incidentally and without premeditation.
HERMAN MELVILLENature is nobody’s ally.
HERMAN MELVILLE