To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. - Herman Melville

There is nothing namable but that some men will, or undertake to, do it for pay.

Of all tools used in the shadow of the moon, men are the most apt to get out of order.

I am heartily sorry I ever wrote anything about you — it was paltry. Lord, when shall we be done growing? As long as we have anything more to do, we have done nothing. So, now, let us add Moby-Dick to our blessing, and step from that. Leviathan is not the biggest fish; — I have heard of Krakens.