Patrick O'Brian Quotes

50 quotes in 997 categories

• I am opposed to authority, that egg of misery and oppression; I am opposed to it largely for what it does to those who exercise…
• Sir,’ said Stephen, ‘I read novels with the utmost pertinacity. I look upon them--I look upon good novels--as a very valuable part of literature, conveying…
• Authority is a solvent of humanity: look at any husband, any father of a family,and note the absorption of the person by the persona, the…
• For you must know, gentlemen, that when the mariner is dosed, he likes to know that he has been dosed: with fifteen grains or even…
• He sat on as the sun's rays came slowly down through the trees, lower and lower, and when the lowest reached a branch not far…
• I do not say that all lawyers are bad, but I do maintain that the general tendency is bad: standing up in a court for…
• You are to consider that a certain melancholy and often a certain irascibility accompany advancing age: indeed it might be said that advancing age equals…
• I am in favour of leaving people alone, however imperfect their polity may seem. It appears to me that you must not tell other nations…
• For my own part,' said Captain Aubrey, 'I have no notion of disliking a man for his beliefs, above all if he was born with…
• Stephen had spared no expense in making himself more unhappy, his own position as a rejected lover clearer.
• Jack, you've debauched my sloth.
• ...for very strangely his officers looked upon Jack Aubrey as a moral figure, in spite of all proofs of the contrary...
• Other people's marriages are a perpetual source of amazement.
• ...looking angrily at the wombat: and a moment later, 'Come now, Stephen, this is coming it pretty high: your brute is eating my hat.' 'So…
• And she hates being managed - that is not the word I want. What is it, Maturin?' 'Manipulated.' 'Exactly. She is a dutiful girl -…
• That would be locking the horse after the stable door is gone, a very foolish thing to do.
• It is a great while since I felt the grind of bone under my saw,' he added, smiling with anticipation.
• My dear creature, I have done with all debate. But you know as well as I, patriotism is a word; and one that generally comes…
• Never mind manoeuvres, always go at them.
• Why, sir," said he, looking about him, "what splendour I see: gold lace, breeches, cocked hats. Allow me to recommend a sandwich. And would you…

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