God was satisfied with his own work, and that is fatal.
Samuel Butler

Half the vices which the world condemns most loudly have seeds of good in them and require moderate use rather than total abstinence.
Samuel Butler

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

He that complies against his will is of his own opinion still.
Samuel Butler

Human life is as evanescent as the morning dew or a flash of lightning.
Samuel Butler

I do not mind lying, but I hate inaccuracy.
Samuel Butler

I never knew a writer yet who took the smallest pains with his style and was at the same time readable.
Samuel Butler

I really do not see much use in exalting the humble and meek; they do not remain humble and meek long when they are exalted.
Samuel Butler

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

If I die prematurely I shall be saved from being bored to death at my own success.
Samuel Butler

If life must not be taken too seriously, then so neither must death.
Samuel Butler

If people would dare to speak to one another unreservedly, there would be a good deal less sorrow in the world a hundred years hence.
Samuel Butler

If the headache would only precede the intoxication, alcoholism would be a virtue.
Samuel Butler

If we attend continually and promptly to the little that we can do, we shall ere long be surprised to find how little remains that we cannot do.
Samuel Butler

If you follow reason far enough it always leads to conclusions that are contrary to reason.
Samuel Butler

In law, nothing is certain but the expense.
Samuel Butler

In old times people used to try and square the circle; now they try and devise schemes for satisfying the Irish nation.
Samuel Butler

In the midst of vice we are in virtue, and vice versa.
Samuel Butler

Is life worth living? This is a question for an embryo not for a man.
Samuel Butler

It has been said that the love of money is the root of all evil. The want of money is so quite as truly.
Samuel Butler