George Gissing

For the man sound in body and serene of mind there is no such thing as bad weather; every sky has its beauty, and storms which whip the blood do but make it pulse more vigorously.

Persistent prophecy is a familiar way of assuring the event.

For the work of man's mind there is one test, and one alone, the judgment of generations yet unborn. If you have written a great book, the world to come will know of it.

I maintain that we people of brains are justified in supplying the mob with the food it likes.

People have got that ancient prejudice so firmly rooted in their heads — that one mustn't write save at I the dictation of the Holy Spirit. I tell you, writing is a business.

I am learning my business. Literature nowadays is a trade.

'A man who comes to be hanged,' pursued Jasper, impartially, 'has the satisfaction of knowing that he has brought society to its last resource. He is a man of such fatal importance that nothing will serve against him but the supreme effort …

To be at other people's orders brings out all the bad in me.

The insult was thrown out with a peculiarly reckless air; it astounded the hearer, who sat for an instant with staring eyes and lips apart; then the blood rushed to his cheeks.

The thought, however, of his girls having to work for money was so utterly repulsive to him that he could never seriously dwell upon it.

No, no; women, old or young, should never have to think about money.

It is our duty never to speak ill of others, you know; least of all when we know that to do so will be the cause of much pain and trouble.