There is something in us, somehow, that, in the most degraded condition, we snatch at a chance to deceive ourselves into a fanciedsuperiority to others, whom we suppose lower in the scale than ourselves.
Herman MelvilleWhy, ever since Adam, who has got to the meaning of this great allegory - the world? Then we pygmies must be content to have out paper allegories but ill comprehended.
Herman MelvilleThere is sorrow in the world, but goodness too; and goodness that is not greenness, either, no more than sorrow is.
Herman MelvilleEveryone knows that in most people's estimation, to do anything cooly is to do it genteelly.
Herman MelvilleHe, who, in view of its inconsistencies, says of human nature the same that, in view of its contrasts, is said of the divine nature, that it is past finding out, thereby evinces a better appreciation of it than he who, by always representing it in a clear light, leaves it to be inferred that he clearly knows all about it.
Herman Melville