There is, as every schoolboy knows in this scientific age, a very close chemical relation between coal and diamonds. It is the reason, I believe, why some people allude to coal as "black diamonds." Both these commodities represent wealth; but coal is a much less portable form of property.

But his soul was mad. Being alone in the wilderness, it had looked within itself and, by heavens I tell you, it had gone mad.

It is respectable to have no illusions, and safe, and profitable and dull.

To be busy with material affairs is the best preservative against reflection, fears, doubts ... all these things which stand in the way of achievement. I suppose a fellow proposing to cut his throat would experience a sort of relief while occupied in stropping his razor carefully.

For there is nothing mysterious to a seaman unless it be the sea itself, which is the mistress of his existence.

One can't live with one's finger everlastingly on one's pulse.

Words, as is well known, are the great foes of reality.