If Shakespeare has not been equalled, he is sure to be surpassed, and surpassed by an American born now or yet to be born.

Consider the subtleness of the sea; how its most dreaded creatures glide under water, unapparent for the most part, and treacherously hidden beneath the loveliest tints of azure..... Consider all this; and then turn to this green, gentle , and most docile earth; consider them both, the sea and the land; and do you not find a strange analogy to something in yourself?

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.

Failure is the true test of greatness

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.

Ah, happiness courts the light so we deem the world is gay. But misery hides aloof so we deem that misery there is none.

If you can get nothing better out of the world, get a good dinner out of it, at least.