There is no short-cut no patent tram-road, to wisdom. After all the centuries of invention, the soul's path lies through the thorny wilderness which must still be trodden in solitude, with bleeding feet, with sobs for help, as it was trodden by them of old time.
George EliotIt is a fact capable of amiable interpretation that ladies are not the worst disposed towards a new acquaintance of their own sex, because she has points of inferiority.
George EliotShe was no longer struggling against the perception of facts, but adjusting herself to their clearest perception.
George EliotWe are overhasty to speak as if God did not manifest himself by our silent feeling, and make his love felt through ours.
George EliotSane people did what their neighbors did, so that if any lunatics were at large, one might know and avoid them.
George EliotHer future, she thought, was likely to be worse than her past, for after her years of contented renunciation, she had slipped back into desire and longing; she found joyless days of distasteful occupation harder and harder; she found the image of the intense and varied life she yearned for, and despaired of, becoming more and more importunate.
George Eliot