Of all human events, perhaps, the publication of a first volume of verses is the most insignificant; but though a matter of… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
In the operative opinion of the world, he who is already fully provided with what is necessary for him, that man shall… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
O Nature, and O soul of man! how far beyond all utterance are your linked analogies; not the smallest atom stirs or… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
But when a man suspects any wrong it sometimes happens that if he be already involved in the matter he insensibly strives… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
Methinks we have hugely mistaken this matter of Life and Death. Methinks that what they call my shadow here on earth is… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
I cherish the greatest respect towards everybody's religious obligations, no matter how comical. — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
We incline to think that God cannot explain His own secrets and that He would like a little information upon certain points… — Herman Melville Copy Share Image
If I had been downright honest with myself, I would have seen very plainly in my heart that I did but half… — 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
