My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?

The literary man re-reads, other men simply read.

I who know many present things by my art,' replied the Hermit with a smile, 'have yet little knowledge of things future. Therefore I do not know whether any man or woman or beast in the whole world will be alive when the sun sets tonight. But be of good hope. The damsel is likely to live as long as any her age.

Nobody can always have devout feelings: and even if we could, feelings are not what God principally cares about.

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.

We meet no ordinary people in our lives.