If God wants us to do a thing, he should make his wishes sufficiently clear. Sensible people will wait till he has done this before paying much attention to him. Samuel Butler on god
To know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should ever know him at all. I know not which is more childish to deny him, or define him. Samuel Butler on god
God as now generally conceived of is only the last witch. Samuel Butler on god
He has spent his life best who has enjoyed it most. God will take care that we do not enjoy it any more than is good for us. Samuel Butler on god
The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. Samuel Butler on great
From a worldly point of view, there is no mistake so great as that of being always right. Samuel Butler on great
The seven deadly sins: Want of money, bad health, bad temper, chastity, family ties, knowing that you know things, and believing in the Christian religion. Samuel Butler on health
The worst thing that can happen to a man is to lose his money, the next worst his health, the next worst his reputation. Samuel Butler on health
God cannot alter the past, though historians can. Samuel Butler on history
The history of art is the history of revivals. Samuel Butler on history
The history of the world is the record of the weakness, frailty and death of public opinion. Samuel Butler on history
All philosophies, if you ride them home, are nonsense, but some are greater nonsense than others. Samuel Butler on home
A sense of humor keen enough to show a man his own absurdities will keep him from the commission of all sins, or nearly all, save those worth committing. Samuel Butler on humor
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but a little want of knowledge is also a dangerous thing. Samuel Butler on knowledge
The youth of an art is, like the youth of anything else, its most interesting period. When it has come to the knowledge of good and evil it is stronger, but we care less about it. Samuel Butler on knowledge
Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on. Samuel Butler on learning
In law, nothing is certain but the expense. Samuel Butler on legal
Most people have never learned that one of the main aims in life is to enjoy it. Samuel Butler on life
Life is not an exact science, it is an art. Samuel Butler on life
Life is the art of drawing sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises. Samuel Butler on life