“Ladies are like creeds; if you cannot speak well of them, say nothing.”

To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme.

I’ll try a pagan friend, thought I, since Christian kindness has proved but hollow courtesy.

What 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?

An utterly fearless man is a far more dangerous comrade than a coward.

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

Think not, is my eleventh commandment; and sleep when you can, is my twelfth.

For as this appalling ocean surrounds the verdant land, so in the soul of man there lies one insular Tahiti, full of peace and joy, but encompassed by all the horrors of the half known life.

Ignorance is the parent of fear.

He who has never failed somewhere, that man can not be great.

Aid my disillusionment, my friend!

I do not think I have any uncharitable prejudice against the rattlesnake, still, I should not like to be one.

What plays the mischief with the truth is that men will insist upon the universal application of a temporary feeling or opinion.

Silence is the only Voice of our God.

Beneath those stars is a universe of gliding monsters.

We cannot live for ourselves alone.

Genius, all over the world, stands hand in hand, and one shock of recognition runs the whole circle round.

Give me silence, water, hope. Give me struggle, iron, volcanoes.

Where there is no experience the wise man is silent.

If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity.

Silence is essential. We need silence just as much as we need air, just as much as plants need light. If our minds are crowded with words and thoughts, there is no space for us.

Silence is something that comes from your heart, not from outside. Silence doesn’t mean not talking and not doing things; it means that you are not disturbed inside. If you’re truly silent, then no matter what situation you find yourself in you can enjoy the silence.

The most beautiful words of love are told in silence for a look.

Be silent as to services you have rendered, but speak of favours you have received.

The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.