Quotessence
Home / Authors / Patrick O'Brian
Patrick O'Brian

Patrick O'Brian Quotes

Novelist

Filter quotes by topic

AllStephen MaturinMayMenSaidMaturinMindAubreyAubrey MaturinHumourJack AubreyKnowsLooksMaster And CommanderAubreyadHumansIfsNavyThe Far Side Of The WorldAuthorityBorn

Famous Patrick O'Brian Quotes

“Go and see whether the Doctor is about,’ said Jack, ‘and if he is, ask him to look in, when he has a moment.’ Which he is in the fish-market, turning over some old-fashioned lobsters. No. I tell a lie. That is him, falling down the companion-way and cursing in foreign.”

IfsWayLooksSaidMomentsLyingFallAsksDoctorsFishesCompanionOld FashionedFalling DownCursingLobster
Book:Blue at the Mizzen (Vol. Book 20) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels)
Create image

“Two weevils crept from the crumbs. 'You see those weevils, Stephen?' said Jack solemnly. I do.' Which would you choose?' There is not a scrap of difference. Arcades ambo. They are the same species of curculio, and there is nothing to choose between them.' But suppose you had to choose?' Then I should choose the right-hand weevil; it has a perceptible advantage in both length and breadth.' There I have you,' cried Jack. 'You are bit - you are completely dished. Don't you know that in the Navy you must always choose the lesser of two weevils? Oh ha, ha, ha, ha!”

KnowsShouldSaidTwoHandsBitsDifferencesAdvantageSpeciesLengthYou ChooseCriedNavyScrapBreadthCrumbsArcades
Author:Patrick O'Brian
Create image

“Sir,’ said Stephen, ‘I read novels with the utmost pertinacity. I look upon them--I look upon good novels--as a very valuable part of literature, conveying more exact and finely-distinguished knowledge of the human heart and mind than almost any other, with greater breadth and depth and fewer constraints.”

MindHumansLooksHeartSaidLiteratureNovelGreaterDepthValuableFewerHuman HeartHeart And MindDistinguishedConstraintsBreadthConveying
Book:Master and commander ; Post captain ; H.M.S. Surprise ; The Mauritius command
Create image

“You are to consider that a certain melancholy and often a certain irascibility accompany advancing age: indeed it might be said that advancing age equals ill-temper. On reaching the middle years a man perceives that he is no longer able to do certain things, that what looks he may have had are deserting him, that he has a ponderous great belly, and that however much he may yet burn he is no longer attractive to women; and he rebels. Fortitude, resignation and philosophy are of more value than any pills, red, white or blue.”

MenYearsLooksMaySaidPhilosophyMightAgeAbleCertainValuesWhiteMiddleRedBlueIllPerceiveAttractiveReachingMelancholyRebelTemperBellyPillsFortitudeResignationAdvancingAccompany
Book:The Truelove (Vol. Book 15) (Aubrey/Maturin Novels)
Create image

“Why, sir," said he, looking about him, "what splendour I see: gold lace, breeches, cocked hats. Allow me to recommend a sandwich. And would you be contemplating an attack, at all?" "It had crossed my mind, I must admit," said Jack. "Indeed, I may go so far as to say, that I am afraid a conflict is now virtually inevitable. Did you notice we have cleared for action?”

MindMaySaidActionConflictGoldInevitableHatsContemplatingSandwichesLaceSplendour
Author:Patrick O'Brian
Create image