It is hard to be finite upon an infinite subject, and all subjects are infinite.
It is better to fail in originality, than to succeed in imitation. He who has never failed somewhere, that man can not be great. Failure is the true test of greatness.
In truth, a mature man who uses hair-oil, unless medicinally, that man has probably got a quoggy spot in him somewhere.
In this world, shipmates, sin that pays its way can travel freely, and without a passport; whereas Virtue, if a pauper, is stopped at all frontiers.
In one word, Queequeg, said I, rather digressively; hell is an idea first born on an undigested apple-dumpling; and since then perpetuated through the hereditary dyspepsias nurtured by Ramadans.
In every case where civilization has in any way been introduced among those whom we call savages, she has scattered her vices, and withheld her blessings.
I try all things; I achieve what I can.
I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.
I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.
Human madness is oftentimes a cunning and most feline thing. When you think it fled, it may have but become transfigured into some still subtler form.
However ignorant man may be, he still feels within him his immortal spirit yearning after the unknown future.
How feeble is all language to describe the horrors we inflict upon these wretches, whom we mason up in the cells of our prisons, and condemn to perpetual solitude in the very heart of our population.
