Better be an old maid, a woman with herself as a husband, than the wife of a fool; and Solomon more than hints that all men are fools; and every wise man knows himself to be one.
HERMAN MELVILLEBetter be an old maid, a woman with herself as a husband, than the wife of a fool; and Solomon more than hints that all men are fools; and every wise man knows himself to be one.
HERMAN MELVILLEWhen among wild beasts, if they menace you, be a wild beast.
HERMAN MELVILLEFailure is the test of greatness.
HERMAN MELVILLESee how elastic our prejudices grow when once love comes to bend them.
HERMAN MELVILLEI am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.
HERMAN MELVILLEYet habit – strange thing! what cannot habit accomplish?
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 MELVILLEWe cannot live for ourselves alone.
HERMAN MELVILLEThe eyes are the gateway to the soul.
HERMAN MELVILLEFame is an accident; merit a thing absolute.
HERMAN MELVILLEMeditation and water are wedded for ever.
HERMAN MELVILLEOf all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well- warmed, and well-fed.
HERMAN MELVILLEDo not presume, well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed, to criticize the poor
HERMAN MELVILLENo philosophers so thoroughly comprehend us as dogs and horses.
HERMAN MELVILLEAid my disillusionment, my friend!
HERMAN MELVILLEAll things that God would have us do are hard for us to do–remember that–and hence, he oftener commands us than endeavours to persuade.
HERMAN MELVILLE