“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Encouraging independent judgement rather than unthinking conformity · Travel book Solitude Truth
“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—it’s the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.” Emphasising the precision and power of language · Letter Art Truth
“Classic. A book which people praise and don’t read.” A wry observation about literary reputation and fashionable admiration · Travel book Art Fame
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” Presenting travel as a remedy for intolerance and limited perspective · Travel book Hope Truth
“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it’s because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.” Contrasting the limits of invention with the unpredictable nature of reality · Travel book Art Truth
