Well, my book is written-let it go. But if it were only to write over again there wouldn't be so many things left out. They burn in me; and they keep multiplying; but now they can't ever be said. And besides, they would require a library-and a pen warmed up in hell.

The man who sets out to carry a cat by its tail learns something that will always be useful and which never will grow dim or doubtful.

Often it does seem a pity that Noah and his party did not miss the boat.

The average man don't like trouble and danger.

Where was the use, originally, in rushing this whole globe through in six days? It is likely that if more time had been taken in the first place, the world would have been made right, and this ceaseless improving and repairing would not be necessary now. But if you hurry a world or a house, you are nearly sure to find out by and by that you have left out a towhead, or a broom-closet, or some other little convenience, here and there, which has got to be supplied, no matter how much expense or vexation it may cost.

I once sent a dozen of my friends a telegram saying 'flee at once - all is discovered.' They all left town immediately.

Independence-is loyalty to one's best self and principles, and this is often disloyalty to the general idols and fetishes.