It cuts one sadly to see the grief of old people; they’ve no way of working it off; and the new spring brings no new shoots out on the withered tree.
It belongs to every large nature, when it is not under the immediate power of some strong unquestioning emotion, to suspect itself, and doubt the truth of its own impressions, conscious of possibilities beyond its own horizon.
It always remains true that if we had been greater, circumstance would have been less strong against us.
Ingenious philosophers tell you, perhaps, that the great work of the steam-engine is to create leisure for mankind. Do not believe them: it only creates a vacuum for eager thought to rush in.
In the vain laughter of folly wisdom hears half its applause.
In old days there were angels who came and took men by the hand and led them away from the city of destruction. We see no white-winged angels now. But yet men are led away from threatening destruction: a hand is put into theirs, which leads them forth gently towards a calm and bright land, so that they look no more backward; and the hand may be a little child’s.
In every parting there is an image of death.
In all private quarrels the duller nature is triumphant by reason of its dullness.
In all failures, the beginning is certainly the half of the whole.
Ignorant kindness may have the effect of cruelty; but to be angry with it as if it were direct cruelty would be an ignorant unkindness.
Ignorance gives one a large range of probabilities.
If you could make a pudding wi’ thinking o’ the batter, it ‘ud be easy getting dinner.
