Quotes from George Eliot

Can anything be more disgusting than to hear people called 'educated' making small jokes about eating ham, and showing themselves empty of any real knowledge as to the relation of their own social and religious life to the history of the people they think themselves witty in insulting? [...] The best thing that can be said of it is, that it is a sign of the intellectual narrowness—in plain English, the stupidity which is still the average mark of our culture.

A woman dictates before marriage in order that she may have an appetite for submission afterwards.

We all remember epochs in our experience when some dear expectation dies, or some new motive is born.

Upon my word, I think the truth is the hardest missile one can be pelted with.

There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms.

What a different result one gets by changing the metaphor!

Her own misery filled her heart—there was no room in it for other people's sorrow.

That by desiring what is perfectly good, even when we don't quite know what it is and cannot do what we would, we are part of the divine power against evil -- widening the skirts of light and making the struggle with darkness narrower.

If I got places, sir, it was because I made myself fit for 'em. If you want to slip into a round hole, you must first make a ball of yourself; that's where it is.

Self-consciousness of the manner is the expensive substitute for simplicity.

What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined to strengthen each other, to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories

A child, more than all other gifts That earth can offer to declining man, Brings hope with it, and forward-looking thoughts. —WORDSWORTH.