A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg. Samuel Butler on nature
Self-preservation is the first law of nature. Samuel Butler on nature
A physician's physiology has much the same relation to his power of healing as a cleric's divinity has to his power of influencing conduct. Samuel Butler on power
They say the test of literary power is whether a man can write an inscription. I say, 'Can he name a kitten?' Samuel Butler on power
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 religion
People in general are equally horrified at hearing the Christian religion doubted, and at seeing it practiced. Samuel Butler on religion
Lying has a kind of respect and reverence with it. We pay a person the compliment of acknowledging his superiority whenever we lie to him. Samuel Butler on respect
Life is not an exact science, it is an art. Samuel Butler on science
The Athanasian Creed is to me light and intelligible reading in comparison with much that now passes for science. Samuel Butler on science
If I die prematurely I shall be saved from being bored to death at my own success. Samuel Butler on success
For truth is precious and divine, too rich a pearl for carnal swine. Samuel Butler on truth
Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well. Samuel Butler on truth
The Bible may be the truth, but it is not the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Samuel Butler on truth
There is no such source of error as the pursuit of truth. Samuel Butler on truth
All truth is not to be told at all times. Samuel Butler on truth
Some men love truth so much that they seem to be in continual fear lest she should catch a cold on overexposure. Samuel Butler on truth
A skilful leech is better far, than half a hundred men of war. Samuel Butler on war
The sinews of art and literature, like those of war, are money. Samuel Butler on war
Brigands demand your money or your life women require both. Samuel Butler on women
Women can stand a beating except when it is with their own weapons. Samuel Butler on women