114 Quotes by Harriet Martineau

Readers are plentiful; thinkers are rare.

There have been few things in my life which have had a more genial effect on my mind than the possession of a piece of land

[Americans] have realized many things for which the rest of the world is still struggling...[yet] the civilization and the morals of the Americans fall far below their own principles.

It is my deliberate opinion that the one essential requisite of human welfare in all ways is scientific knowledge of human nature.

If a test of civilization be sought, none can be so sure as the condition of that half of society over which the other half has power.

You had better live your best and act your best and think your best today; for today is the sure preparation for tomorrow and all the other tomorrows that follow.

Laws and customs may be creative of vice; and should be therefore perpetually under process of observation and correction: but laws and customs cannot be creative of virtue: they may encourage and help to preserve it; but they cannot originate it.

If there is any country on earth where the course of true love may be expected to run smooth, it is America.

Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty. If it be so, let the modesty succumb. It can be only a false modesty which can be thus endangered.