Samuel Butler Quotes

Men are seldom more commonplace than on supreme occasions.

The public buys its opinions as it buys its meat, or takes in its milk, on the principle that it is cheaper to do this than to keep a cow. So it is, but the milk is more likely to be watered.

Opinion governs all mankind, like the blind’s leading of the blind.

He that complies against his will, Is of his own opinion still.

The Ancient Mariner would not have taken so well if it had been called The Old Sailor.

To grow old is to grow young and to grow young is to grow old.

An obstinate man does not hold opinions, but they hold him.

For daring nonsense seldom fails to hit, Like scattered shot, and pass with some for wit.

When you have told anyone you have left him a legacy, the only decent thing to do is die at once.

The wish to spread those opinions that we hold conducive to our own welfare is so deeply rooted in the English character that few of us can escape its influence.