413 Quotes by Samuel Butler

Life is a matter about which we are lost if we reason either too much or too little.

People are lucky and unlucky not according to what they get absolutely, but according to the ratio between what they get and what they have been led to expect.

A degenerate nobleman, or one that is proud of his birth, is like a turnip: there is nothing good of him but that which is underground.

The family. I believe more unhappiness comes from this source than from any other—I mean the attempt to prolong family connection unduly, and to make people hang together artificially who would never naturally do so.

Doubtless, the pleasure is as great / Of being cheated, as to cheat./ As lookers-on feel most delight / That least perceive a juggler's sleight.

Always eat grapes downwards - that is, always eat the best grape first; in this way there will be none better left on the bunch, and each grape will seem good down to the last.

He knew what's what, and that's as high / As metaphysics wit can fly.

The day runs through me as water through a sieve.

It is hard to come down the social ladder without tumbling off.