But an abstract science of physiognomy to be taught and learned is not possible; for the distinctions of difference are here so fine that concepts cannot reach them; therefore abstract knowledge is related to them as a mosaic is to a painting by a Van der Werft or a Denner.
— from The World as Will and Idea (Vol. 1 of 3) by Arthur Schopenhauer

Cortes answered, with respect to the women, that he himself and all of us were very grateful for them, and that we should take the first opportunity of rendering them a kindness in return.
— from The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) Written by Himself Containing a True and Full Account of the Discovery and Conquest of Mexico and New Spain. by Bernal Díaz del Castillo

It is no cleaner than a kitchen; it reeks like a kitchen; and if you mean to cook your dinner, you must expect to soil your hands; the real art is in getting them clean again, and therein lies the whole morality of our epoch.
— from Father Goriot by Honoré de Balzac

In this very place where they sat he had given her his mother's pearls, and taken a kiss in return from the cheek that was once more so near to him.
— from Marcella by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

I suppose they are kept in reserve for real war!
— from Eclectic Magazine of Foreign Literature, Science, and Art, March 1885 by Various

Shelley held a firm belief in Reincarnation: "It is not the less certain, notwithstanding the cunning attempts to conceal the truth, that all knowledge is reminiscence.
— from Reincarnation: A Study in Human Evolution by Théophile Pascal

The man took and kissed it respectfully, saying aloud, "I would gladly see you anywhere but here, madam; and if you had told me what you were going to do, I would have taken care you should not be here at all."
— from Arabella Stuart: A Romance from English History by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James

July 13—Attempt to invade Italian territory at Kreusberg is repulsed with heavy loss.
— from New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 5, August, 1915 by Various

Indestructibility If it is to be passed about in trade, and kept in reserve, money must not be subject to easy deterioration or loss.
— from Readings in Money and Banking Selected and Adapted by Chester Arthur Phillips

There is no despotism on earth so soul-destroying to the artist: it is baser and more degrading than anything known in Russia.
— from Oscar Wilde, His Life and Confessions Volume 1 by Frank Harris