A good laugh is a mighty good thing, and rather too scarce a good thing.

flight from tyranny does not of itself insure a safe asylum, far less a happy home.

Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale... from hell's heart I stab at thee.

Book! You lie there; the fact is, you books must know your places. You'll do to give us the bare words and facts, but we come in to supply the thoughts.

All men live enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life. And if you be a philosopher, though seated in the whale-boat, you would not at heart feel one whit more of terror, than though seated before your evening fire with a poker, and not a harpoon, by your side.

Surely a gentle sister is the second best gift to a man; and it is first in point of occurrence; for the wife comes after.

One trembles to think of that mysterious thing in the soul, which seems to acknowledge no human jurisdiction, but in spite of the individual's own innocence self, will still dream horrid dreams, and mutter unmentionable thoughts.