There is such a difference between life and theory. — Anthony Trollope

"A mans mind will very generally refuse to make itself up until it be driven and compelled by emergency."

"He was not so anxious to prove himself right, as to be so."

"There is, perhaps, no greater hardship at present inflicted on mankind in civilised and free countries, than the neccessity of listening to sermons."

"She well knew the great architectural secret of decorating her constructions, and never descended to construct a decoration."

"Success is the necessary misfortune of life, but it is only to the very unfortunate that it comes early."

"Needless to deny that the normal London plumber is a dishonest man. We do not even allow ourselves to think so. That question, as to the dishonesty of mankind generally, is one that disturbs us greatly; — whether a man in all grades of life will by degrees train his honesty to suit his own book, so that the course of life which he shall bring himself to regard as soundly honest shall, if known to his neighbours, subject him to their reproof. We own to a doubt whether the honesty of a bishop would shine bright as the morning star to the submissive ladies who now worship him, if the theory of life upon which he lives were understood by them in all its bearings."