O. Henry Quotes
In winter we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts.
The art of walking is at once suggestive of the dignity of man. Progressive motion alone implies power, but in almost every other instance it seems a power gained at the expense of self-possession.
Fashion seldom interferes with nature without diminishing her grace and efficiency.
Passing into higher forms of desire, that which slumbered in the plant, and fitfully stirred in the beast, awakes in the man.
In 1776, the Americans laid before Europe that noble Declaration, which ought to be hung up in the nursery of every king, and blazoned on the porch of every royal palace
Men profess to be lovers of music, but for the most part they give no evidence in their opinions and lives that they have heard it.
The man who gives me employment, which I must have or suffer, that man is my master, let me call him what I will.
I shall grow old, but never lose life's zest, because the road's last turn will be the best.
Capital is a result of labor, and is used by labor to assist it in further production. Labor is the active and initial force, and labor is therefore the employer of capital.
Even if we should find another Eden, we would not be fit to enjoy it perfectly nor stay in it forever.
The language of excitement is at best picturesque merely. You must be calm before you can utter oracles.
It is with rivers as it is with people: the greatest are not always the most agreeable nor the best to live with.
And yet, as angels in some brighter dreams Call to the soul when man doth sleep. So some strange thoughts transcend our wonted dreams, And into glory peep.
Death, and darkness get you packing, Nothing now to man is lacking, All your triumphs now are ended, And what Adam marred, is mended.
The skin and shell of things Though fair are not Thy wish nor prayer but got My meer despair of wings.
They who go Feel not the pain of parting; it is they Who stay behind that suffer.
Stay, stay at home, my heart and rest; Home-keeping hearts are the happiest, For those that wander they know not where Are full of trouble and full of care; To stay at home is best.
As for doing good; that is one of the professions which is full. Moreover I have tried it fairly and, strange as it may seem, am satisfied that it does not agree with my constitution.
If I seem to boast more than is becoming, my excuse is that I brag for humanity rather than for myself.
This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used.
With one eye on today's blessings you will have more staying power for the distant goal.
Everyone says that forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive.
The superiority of the Greeks seems not so much the result of climate and society, as of the simplicity of their end and the uniformity of their means.
That tree is very old, but I never saw prettier blossoms on it than it now bears. That tree grows new wood each year. Like that apple tree, I try to grow a new little wood each year.
Let your life be a counter-friction to stop the machine. What I have to do is to see, at any rate, that I do not lend myself to the wrong which I condemn.
