Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Quotations | Page 2

A good soldier, like a good horse, cannot be of a bad color.

Even the wisest woman you talk to is ignorant of something you may know, but an elegant woman never forgets her elegance.

The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become.

Any new formula which suddenly emerges in our consciousness has its roots in long trains of thought; it is virtually old when it first makes its appearance among the recognized growths of our intellect.

Go on, fair Science; soon to thee Shall Nature yield her idle boast; Her vulgar lingers formed a tree, But thou hast trained it to a post.

Science is the topography of ignorance. From a few elevated points we triangulate vast spaces, inclosing infinite unknown details. We cast the lead, and draw up a little sand from abysses we may never reach with our dredges.

Anytime you see a Hungarian, kick him. He'll know why. Any two philosophers can tell each other all they know in two hours.

The mark of a civilized man is his willingness to re-examine his most cherished beliefs.

Where we stand is not as important as the direction in which we are moving.

Research and writing are lonely occupations. It is easy to become discouraged in solitary confinement.