Herman Melville quotes

To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be that have tried it.

In this world, shipmates, sin that pays its way can travel freely, and without passport; whereas Virtue, if a pauper, is stopped at all frontiers.

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities.

At sea a fellow comes out. Salt water is like wine, in that respect.

Amity itself can only be maintained by reciprocal respect, and true friends are punctilious equals.

Friendship at first sight, like love at first sight, is said to be the only truth.

Hope is the struggle of the soul, breaking loose from what is perishable, and attesting her eternity.

Friendship at first sight, like love at first sight, is said to be the only truth.

To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.

Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its ragged edges.

Friendship at first sight, like love at first sight, is said to be the only truth.

To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.

Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, - for it is a sign of strength to be weak, to know it, and out with it - not in a set way and ostentatiously, though, but incidentally and without premeditation.