Elizabeth Gaskell Quotes

But the cloud never comes in that quarter of the horizon from which we watch for it.

Blot your misdeeds out (if you are particularly conscientious), by a good deed, as soon as you can; just as we did a correct sum at school on the slate, where an incorrect one was only half rubbed out. It was better than wetting our sponge with our tears; both less loss of time where tears had to be waited for, and a better effect at last.

I look at [books] as a child looks at cakes - with glittering eyes and a watering mouth, imagining the pleasure that awaits him.

Waiting is far more difficult than doing.

I won't say she was silly, but I think one of us was silly, and it wasn't me.

Anticipation was the soul of enjoyment.

Those who are happy and successful themselves are too apt to make light of the misfortunes of others.

As she realized what might have been, she grew to be thankful for what was.

I value my own independence so highly that I can fancy no degradation greater than that of having another man perpetually directing and advising and lecturing me, or even planning too closely in any way about my actions. He might be the wisest of men, or the most powerful - I should equally rebel and resent his interference.

A solitary life cherishes mere fancies until they become manias.

There is nothing like wounded affection for giving poignancy to anger.

Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.

Opportunities are not often wanting where inclination goes before.

One may be clogged with honey and unable to rise and fly.

What's the use of watching? A watched pot never boils.

But the future must be met, however stern and iron it be.

In all disappointments sympathy is a great balm.

There is always a pleasure in unravelling a mystery, in catching at the gossamer clue which will guide to certainty.

A little credulity helps one on through life very smoothly.

I'll not listen to reason... reason always means what someone else has got to say.

Really it is very wholesome exercise, this trying to make one's words represent one's thoughts, instead of merely looking to their effect on others.

Loyalty and obedience to wisdom and justice are fine; but it is still finer to defy arbitrary power, unjustly and cruelly used--not on behalf of ourselves, but on behalf of others more helpless.

It is bad to believe you in error. It would be infinitely worse to have known you a hypocrite.

Were all men equal to-night, some would get the start by rising an hour earlier to-morrow.

Nevertheless, his moustachios are splendid.