Samuel Butler

Novelist, Poet, Essayist

Samuel Butler was a 19th-century English writer known for his novel 'Erewhon', which critiques Victorian society and explores themes of individuality.

Born
December 4, 1835
Died
September 18, 1902
Quotes
222
Rank
#554

About Samuel Butler

Samuel Butler — Life and Legacy

Samuel Butler was a notable English writer and thinker of the 19th century, best recognized for his satirical novel 'Erewhon'. This work not only critiques the moral and social norms of Victorian society but also delves into the complexities of individuality and human nature. Butler's philosophy often revolved around the idea that true progress comes from self-awareness and the courage to challenge societal expectations. One of his well-known quotes, 'The greatest of all faults is to be conscious of none', encapsulates his belief in the necessity of self-reflection for personal growth. He argued that individuals must acknowledge their flaws to evolve and contribute meaningfully to society. Butler's insights into individuality and societal critique remain relevant, encouraging readers to embrace their unique identities while questioning the status quo.

Quote collection

Samuel Butler quotes (page 1 of 12)

222 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"Human life is as evanescent as the morning dew or a flash of lightning."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"If I die prematurely at any rate I shall be saved from being bored to death by my own success."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while discouragement often nips it in the bud."

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"Don't learn to do, but learn in doing."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."

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"Those who have never had a father can at any rate never know the sweets of losing one. To most men the death of his father is a new lease of life."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"The truest characters of ignorance are vanity and pride and arrogance."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"People are lucky and unlucky not according to what they get absolutely, but according to the ratio between what they get and what they have been led to expect."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"Books are like imprisoned souls till someone takes them down from a shelf and frees them."

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"He dons are too busy educating the young men to be able to teach them anything."

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"To live is like to love - all reason is against it, and all healthy instinct for it."

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"All animals, except man, know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it."

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Samuel Butler Novelist, Poet, Essayist
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"The one serious conviction that a man should have is that nothing is to be taken too seriously."

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