A writer can live by his writing. If not so luxuriously as by other trades, then less luxuriously. The nature of the work he does all day will more affect his happiness than the quality of his dinner at night. Whatever be your calling, and however much it brings you to the year, you could still, you know, get more by cheating. We all suffer ourselves to be too much concerned about a little poverty; but such considerations should not move us in the choice of that which is to be the business and justification of so great a portion of our lives; and like the missionary, the patriot, or the philosopher, we should all choose that poor and brave career in which we can do the most and best for mankind.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

But besides that I was of an unforgiving disposition from my birth, slow to take offense, slower to forget it, and now incensed both against my companion and me.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

By the time a man gets well into his seventies his continued existence is a mere miracle.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Captain," said the squire, "the house is quite invisible from the ship. It must be the flag they are aiming at. Would it not be wiser to take it in?"" Strike my colors!" cried the captain, "No sir, not I"...

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Compromise is the best and cheapest lawyer.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Courage is the footstool of the Virtues upon which they stand.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Death, like a host, comes smiling to the door;Smiling, he greets us, on that tranquil shore Where neither piping bird nor peeping dawn Disturbs the eternal sleep, But in the stillness far withdrawn Our dreamless rest for evermore we keep.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Doctors is all swabs.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Don't you know Poole, you and I are about to place ourselves in a position of some peril?

— Robert Louis Stevenson