Indifference to fate which, though it often makes a villain of a man, is the basis of his sublimity when it does not.

That man's silence is wonderful to listen to.

It was the touch of the imperfect upon the would-be perfect that gave the sweetness, because it was that which gave the humanity

Some folk want their luck buttered.

War makes good history but peace is poor reading.

We learn that it is not the rays which bodies absorb, but those which they reject, that give them the colours they are known by; and in the same way people are specialized by their dislikes and antagonisms, whilst their goodwill is looked upon as no attribute at all.

Because what's the use of learning that I am one of a long row only - finding out that there is set down in some old book somebody just like me, and to know that I shall only act her part; making me sad, that's all. The best is not to remember your nature and your past doings have been just like thousands' and thousands', and that your coming life and doings'll be like thousands' and thousands'.