George Eliot

Of what use, however, is a general certainty that an insect will not walk with his head hindmost, when what you need to know is the play of inward stimulus that sends him hither and thither in a network of possible paths?

Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress.

Children demand that their heroes should be freckleless, and easily believe them so: perhaps a first discovery to the contrary is less revolutionary shock to a passionate child than the threatened downfall of habitual beliefs which makes the world seem to totter for us in maturer life.

A patronizing disposition always has its meaner side.

What do we live for; if it is not to make life less difficult to each other?

Certainly, the mistakes that we male and female mortals make when we have our own way might fairly raise some wonder that we’re so fond of it.

Wives are young men’s mistresses, companions for middle age, and old men’s nurses.

A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.

We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it as not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.

Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.

Every burned book or house enlightens the world; every suppressed or expunged word reverberates through the earth from side to side.

Behave so the aroma of your actions may enhance the general sweetness of the atmosphere.

Between his consciousness and events stood always that impenetrable medium – indifference.

Every artist was first an amateur.

Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.

All personal achievement starts in the mind of the individual. Your personal achievement starts in your mind. The first step is to know exactly what your problem, goal or desire is.

Any so-called material thing that you want is merely a symbol: you want it not for itself, but because it will content your spirit for the moment.

I have a great deal of company in the house, especially in the morning when nobody calls.

Attention and respect give pleasure, however late, or however useless. But they are not useless, when they are late, it is reasonable to rejoice, as the day declines, to find that it has been spent with the approbation of mankind.

If in doubt, don’t. If still in doubt, do what’s right.

Let us be grateful to the mirror for revealing to us our appearance only.