Quotes from George Eliot

It will never rain roses: when we want to have more roses we must plant more trees.

The egoism which enters into our theories does not affect their sincerity; rather, the more our egoism is satisfied, the more robust is our belief.

The strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice.

Prophecy is the most gratuitous form of error.

Consequences are unpitying. Our deeds carry their terrible consequences, quite apart from any fluctuations that went before—consequences that are hardly ever confined to ourselves. And it is best to fix our minds on that certainty, instead of considering what may be the elements of excuse for us.

That quiet mutual gaze of a trusting husband and wife is like the first moment of rest or refuge from a great weariness or a great danger.

'Tis God gives skill,But not without men's hands: He could not makeAntonio Stradivari's violinsWithout Antonio.

You should read history and look at ostracism, persecution, martyrdom, and that kind of thing. They always happen to the best men, you know.

The only failure one should fear, is not hugging to the purpose they see as best.

O may I join the choir invisibleOf those immortal dead who live againIn minds made better by their presence.

In the vain laughter of folly wisdom hears half its applause.

Marriage must be a relation either of sympathy or of conquest.