The grand points in human nature are the same to-day they were a thousand years ago. The only variability in them is… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“I promise nothing complete; because any human thing supposed to be complete, must not for that very reason infallibly be faulty.” — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
The man that has anything bountifully laughable about him, be sure there is more in that man than you perhaps think for. — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
So long as a man-of-war exists, it must ever remain a picture of much that is tyrannical and repelling in human nature. — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
I will frankly confess that after passing a few weeks in the valley of the Marquesas, I formed a higher estimate of… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
He, who, in view of its inconsistencies, says of human nature the same that, in view of its contrasts, is said of… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
An indiscriminate distrust of human nature is the worst consequence of a miserable condition, whether brought about by innocence or guilt. And… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
Poor fish of Rodondo! in your victimized confidence, you are of the number of those who inconsiderately trust, while they do not… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“and man, though idiotic, and knowing not what he does, yet full of the sweet things of love and gratitude.” — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“But were the coming narrative to reveal in any instance, the complete abasement of poor Starbuck's fortitude, scarce might I have the heart to… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“(On Ralph Waldo Emerson)I love all men who dive. Any fish can swim near the surface, but it takes a great whale to go… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“So seemed it to me, as I stood at her helm, and for long hours silently guided the way of this fire-ship on the… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Consider the subtleness of the sea; how its most dreaded creatures glide under water, unapparent for the most part, and treacherously hidden beneath the… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Is it that by its indefiniteness it shadows forth the heartless voids and immensities of the universe, and thus stabs us from behind with… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Now, as I before hinted, I have no objection to any person's religion, be it what it may, so long as that person does… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
Let America first praise mediocrity even, in her children, before she praises... the best excellence in the children of any other land. — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
“Yet this is life. For hardly have we mortals by long toilings extracted from this world's vast bulk its small but valuable sperm; and… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
