We expect more of ourselves than we have any right to.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

We must think things not words or at least we must constantly translate our words into the facts for which they stand if we are to keep to the real and the truth.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

What a blessed thing it is that nature when she invented manufactured and patented her auditors contrived to make critics out of the chips that were left!

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

When I feel inclined to read poetry I take down my dictionary. The poetry of words is quite as beautiful as that of sentences. The author may arrange the gems effectively but their shape and luster have been given by the attrition of ages.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

When I feel inclined to read poetry I take down my dictionary. The poetry of words is quite as beautiful as the poetry of sentences.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

When in doubt do it.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

When I want to understand what is happening today or try to decide what will happen tomorrow I look back.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

When the style is fully formed if it has a sweet undersong we call it beautiful and the writer may do what he likes in words or syntax.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

When you write in prose you say what you mean. When you write in rhyme you say what you must.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

Where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.

— Oliver Wendell Holmes