Esther Forbes Quotes

#1. Books are only the shadow and life the real thing. I believe this as strongly as any belief I hold.

Esther Forbes

#2. If you can't do, you had best shut up. He started to slam the door, thought better of it. If you can't do, you'd best not slam doors.

Esther Forbes

#3. We give all we have, lives, property, safety, skill ... we fight, we die, for a simple thing. Only that a man can stand up.

Esther Forbes

#4. If you can't do, you'd best shut up about it.

Esther Forbes

#5. I also believe that writing becomes worthwhile and vitalized only through a full and exciting life.

Esther Forbes

#6. On rocky islands gulls woke.

Esther Forbes

#7. They reminded me of the biggest liar I ever knew personally. Was a farmer, too. Reputation of pretty good farmer at that, but he lied so he had to hire another man to call his pigs.

Esther Forbes

#8. saying. 'I want it as a birthday present to my venerable

Esther Forbes

#9. Hundreds would die, but not the thing they died for.

Esther Forbes

#10. A man can stand up

Esther Forbes

#11. Just like the sun coming up yonder out of the sea, pushing rays of light ahead of it.

Esther Forbes

#12. It was sink or swim for him - and happens he's swimming.

Esther Forbes

#13. In old age the secret springs of human nature are apt to come out.

Esther Forbes

#14. Nobody can make a monkey out of anyone who isn't a monkey to start with.

Esther Forbes

#15. How old are you Johnny" she asked. Sixteen." And what's that-a boy or a man?" He laughed. "A boy in time of peace and a man in time of war.

Esther Forbes

#16. Most American heroes of the Revolutionary period are by now two men, the actual man and the romantic image. Some are even three men - the actual man, the image, and the debunked remains.

Esther Forbes

#17. After that Johnny began to watch himself. For the first time he learned to think before he spoke.

Esther Forbes