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.

O, you have torn my life all to pieces... made me be what I prayed you in pity not to make me be again!

If an offense come out of the truth, better is it that the offense come than that the truth be concealed.

I wish I had never been born--there or anywhere else.

Her affection for him was now the breath and life of Tess's being; it enveloped her as a photosphere, irradiated her into forgetfulness of her past sorrows, keeping back the gloomy spectres that would persist in their attempts to touch her—doubt, fear, moodiness, care, shame. She knew that they were waiting like wolves just outside the circumscribing light, but she had long spells of power to keep them in hungry subjection there.

Everybody is so talented nowadays that the only people I care to honor as deserving real distinction are those who remain in obscurity.

Love is a possible strength in an actual weakness.