George Eliot

I desire no future that will break the ties with the past.

Breed is stronger than pasture.

The presence of a noble nature, generous in its wishes, ardent in its charity, changes the lights for us: we begin to see things again in their larger, quieter masses, and to believe that we too can be seen and judged in the wholeness of our character.

Opposition may become sweet to a man when he has christened it persecution.

Our impartiality is kept for abstract merit and demerit, which none of us ever saw.

The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words.

Nothing is more hopeless than a scheme of merriment.

Sir, you have but two topics, yourself and me. I am sick of both.

There are only two forces that can carry light to all the corners of the globe… the sun in the heavens and the Associated Press down here.

Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; adversity not without many comforts and hopes.

Is not every man sometimes a radical in politics? Men are conservatives when they are least vigorous, or when they are most luxurious. They are conservatives after dinner, or before taking their rest; when they are sick, or aged. In the morning, or when their intellect or their conscience has been aroused; when they hear music, or when they read poetry, they are radicals.

To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically.

My books are water; those of the great geniuses is wine. Everybody drinks water.

When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from those who have never left home.

We all have our challenges, issues, things that we’re working through and insecurity is there because nobody is perfect no matter who you are. It’s that imperfection that makes you so dope.

Every man I meet is in some way my superior.

Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.

I don’t like needing anyone for anything.

Insist on yourself; never imitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life’s cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another you have only an extemporaneous half possession.

As long as I have a want, I have a reason for living. Satisfaction is death.

Youth is unduly busy with pampering the outer person.