The thing that impressed me then as now about New Yorkโฆ was the sharp, and at the same time immense, contrast it showed between the dull and the shrewd, the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor, the wise and the ignorantโฆ the strong, or those who ultimately dominated, were so very strong, and the weak so very, very weak - and so very, very many.
Theodore DreiserPeople in general attach too much importance to words. They are under the illusion that talking effects great results. As a matter of fact, words are, as a rule, the shallowest portion of all the argument. They but dimly represent the great surging feelings and desires which lie behind. When the distraction of the tongue is removed, the heart listens.
Theodore DreiserMorality and ethics are nothing but footballs, wherewith people, strong people play to win points.
Theodore Dreiser