They say the test of literary power is whether a man can write an inscription. I say, Can he name a kitten? – Samuel Butler
It is not he who gains the exact point in dispute who scores most in controversy — but he who has shown the better temper. – Samuel Butler
Letters are like wine; if they are sound they ripen with keeping. A man should lay down letters as he does a cellar of wine. – Samuel Butler
It is bad enough to see one’s own good things fathered on other people, but it is worse to have other people’s rubbish fathered upon oneself. – Samuel Butler