I have known more men destroyed by the desire to have wife and child and to keep them in comfort than I have seen destroyed by drink and harlots.
Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.
This melancholy London - I sometimes imagine that the souls of the lost are compelled to walk through its streets perpetually. One feels them passing like a whiff of air.
You know what the Englishman's idea of compromise is? He says, Some people say there is a God. Some people say there is no God. The truth probably lies somewhere between these two statements.
Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.
The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.
We are happy when for everything inside us there is a corresponding something outside us.
The creations of a great writer are little more than the moods and passions of his own heart, given surnames and Christian names, and sent to walk the earth.
How can we know the dancer from the dance?
Wine comes in at the mouth And love comes in at the eye; That's all we shall know for truth Before we grow old and die.
The light of lights looks always on the motive, not the deed, the shadow of shadows on the deed alone.
Talent perceives differences; genius, unity.
You that would judge me, do not judge alone this book or that, come to this hallowed place where my friends' portraits hang and look thereon; Ireland's history in their lineaments trace; think where man's glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends.
But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
The worst thing about some men is that when they are not drunk they are sober.
Come Fairies, take me out of this dull world, for I would ride with you upon the wind and dance upon the mountains like a flame!
Man can embody truth but he cannot know it.
All empty souls tend toward extreme opinions.
I wonder anybody does anything at Oxford but dream and remember, the place is so beautiful. One almost expects the people to sing instead of speaking. It is all like an opera.
Be secret and exult, Because of all things known That is most difficult.
