Quotes from Elizabeth Gaskell

My heart burnt within me with indignation and grief; we could think of nothing else. All night long we had only snatches of sleep, waking up perpetually to the sense of a great shock and grief. Every one is feeling the same. I never knew so universal a feeling.

Were all men equal to-night, some would get the start by rising an hour earlier to-morrow.

Nothing like the act of eating for equalizing men. Dying is nothing to it.

I don't believe there's a man in Milton who knows how to sit still; and it is a great art.

Your husband this morning! Mine tonight! What do you take him for?' 'A man' smiled Cynthia. 'And therefore, if you won't let me call him changeable, I'll coin a word and call him consolable.

That kind of patriotism which consists in hating all other nations.

. . . it seemed to me that where others had prayed before to their God, in their joy or in their agony, was of itself a sacred place.

If you dare to injure her in the least, I will await you where no policeman can step in between. And God shall judge between us two.

I could wish there were a God, if it were only to ask him to bless thee.

Oh, I can't describe my home. It is home, and I can't put its charm into words

I dare not hope. I never was fainthearted before; but I cannot believe such a creature cares for me.

It seems strange to think, that what gives us most hope for the future should be called Dolores, said Margaret.

God is just, and our lots are well portioned out by Him, although none, but He knows the bitterness of our souls.

The cloud never comes from the quarter of the horizon from which we watch for it.

In all disappointments sympathy is a great balm.

As she realized what might have been, she grew to be thankful for what was.

Thinking has, many a time, made me sad, darling; but doing never did in all my life....My precept is, do something, my sister, do good if you can; but at any rate, do something.

I wish I could tell you how lonely I am. How cold and harsh it is here. Everywhere there is conflict and unkindness. I think God has forsaken this place. I believe I have seen hell and it's white, it's snow-white.

Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.

People may flatter themselves just as much by thinking that their faults are always present to other people's minds, as if they believe that the world is always contemplating their individual charms and virtues.

A little credulity helps one on through life very smoothly.

A wise parent humors the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and advisor when his absolute rule shall cease.

He had not an ounce of superfluous flesh on his bones, and leanness goes a great way towards gentility.

How easy it is to judge rightly after one sees what evil comes from judging wrongly!