It is not possible to say, nor to think, everything at once; and the private interest which guides a man in selecting his materials imposes itself inevitably on the events he relates and especially on their grouping and significance.
— from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana

The most important supposition here made is that every impression on entering the mind must needs awaken an image of its past self, in the light of which it is 'apperceived' or understood, and through the intermediation of which it enters into relation with the mind's other objects.
— from The Principles of Psychology, Volume 1 (of 2) by William James

When I took it out again—which was soon after I had taken my seat in the car—I discovered what a mistake I should have made if I had followed my first impulse.
— from The Golden Slipper, and Other Problems for Violet Strange by Anna Katharine Green

You have dishonoured my image; see how much I care for your amulet.
— from Darkness and Dawn; Or, Scenes in the Days of Nero. An Historic Tale by F. W. (Frederic William) Farrar

Something went out from me to her; some subtle feeling which must, I suppose, have manifested itself in some way, how I know not, for I kept guard upon myself.
— from The Mystery of the Sea by Bram Stoker

Misery makes itself: so happiness makes itself.
— from More Portmanteau Plays by Stuart Walker

Every man in seeking his material interests becomes the rival and antagonist of every other man.
— from Brook Farm: Historic and Personal Memoirs by John Thomas Codman

I should have come to see you, and if I had had some grave, hideous charge to make I should have made it, and fully explained my reasons for making it to you.
— from December Love by Robert Hichens

At sight of the magistrate he rose, and remained standing, cap in hand, until the great Birotteau was seated. “No, monsieur; yes, monsieur; ah, monsieur, if I had known I should have had the honor of receiving in the bosom of my humble penates a member of the municipality of Paris, believe me I should have made it my duty to call upon you, although I am your landlord—or, on the point of becoming so.”
— from The Works of Balzac: A linked index to all Project Gutenberg editions by Honoré de Balzac

"Every minute I stay here makes it more dangerous for me to go back," she said.
— from Marietta: A Maid of Venice by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford

Although he had looked unusually calm as the light fell on his countenance, the moment I saw his movements I felt convinced that he had some evil intention.
— from The Two Supercargoes; Or, Adventures in Savage Africa by William Henry Giles Kingston