Books that have become classics - books that have had their day and now get more praise than perusal - always remind me of retired colonels and majors and captains who, having reached the age limit, find themselves retired on half pay.
– Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Civilization is the lamb's skin in which barbarism masquerades.
– Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Gracious to all, to none subservient, Without offense he spoke the word he meant.
– Thomas Bailey Aldrich
I like to have a thing suggested rather than told in full. When every detail is given, the mind rests satisfied, and the imagination loses the desire to use its own wings.
– Thomas Bailey Aldrich
The man who suspects his own tediousness is yet to be born.
– Thomas Bailey Aldrich
The ocean moans over dead men's bones.
– Thomas Bailey Aldrich
They fail, and they alone, who have not striven.
– Thomas Bailey Aldrich
To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent - that is to triumph over old age.