O. Henry Quotes

The lonesomest thing in all the world is a soul when it is making ready to go on its mysterious, far journey.

Whenever my patient begins to count the carriages in her funeral procession I subtract 50 per cent from the curative power of medicines.

The true adventurer goes forth aimless and uncalculating to meet and greet unknown fate. A fine example was the Prodigal Son—when he started back home.

If man knew how women pass the time when they are alone, they'd never marry.

The magi, as you know, were wise men — wonderfully wise men — who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.

One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas.

Not very long ago some one invented the assertion that there were only "Four Hundred" people in New York City who were really worth noticing. But a wiser man has arisen — the census taker — and his larger estimate of human interest has been preferred in marking out the field of these little stories of the "Four Million."

Take it from me — he's got the goods.

A straw vote only shows which way the hot air blows.

A burglar who respects his art always takes his time before taking anything else.

Perhaps there is no happiness in life so perfect as the martyr's.

What is the world at its best but a little round field of the moving pictures with two walking together in it?