Samuel Butler

The three most important things a man has are, briefly, his private parts, his money, and his religious opinions.

There are two great rules of life, the one general and the other particular. The first is that everyone can, in the end get what he wants if he only tries. This is the general rule. The particular rule is that every individual is more or less an exception to the general rule.

God as now generally conceived of is only the last witch.

Self-preservation is the first law of nature.

A friend who cannot at a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget.

Life is not an exact science, it is an art.

We have a problem. Congratulations. But it’s a tough problem. Then double congratulations.

If the injustice is part of the necessary friction of the machine of government, let it go, let it go: perchance it will wear smooth.

To be a citizen in a democracy, a human being must be given a healthy start.

There are many victories worse than a defeat.

Never be bored, and you will never be boring.

Suspicions that the mind, of itself, gathers, are but buzzes; but suspicions that are artificially nourished and put into men’s heads by the tales and whisperings of others, have stings.

I think a compliment ought to always precede a complaint, where one is possible, because it softens resentment and insures for the complaint a courteous and gentle reception.

The good news is that the moment you decide that what you know is more important than what you have been taught to believe, you will have shifted gears in your quest for abundance. Success comes from within, not from without.

If I repent of anything, it is very likely to be my good behavior.

Suspicion amongst thoughts are like bats amongst birds, they never fly by twilight.

Experience is in the fingers and head. The heart is inexperienced.

When we direct our thoughts properly, we can control our emotions…

Except during the nine months before he draws his first breath, no man manages his affairs as well as a tree does.

For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.

He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything.