David Copperfield

Thus, through the reflection that it might have been, I arrived at the conviction that it could never be.

Between these two irreconcilable conclusions: the one, that what I felt was general and unavoidable; the other, that it was particular to me, and might have been different: I balanced curiously,

Some happy talent, and some fortunate opportunity, may form the two sides of the ladder on which some men mount, but the rounds of that ladder must be made of stuff to stand wear and tear; and there is no substitute for thorough-going, ardent, and sincere earnestness.

I think of every little trifle between me and Dora, and feel the truth, that trifles make the sum of life.

I had considered how the things that never happen, are often as much realities to us, in their effects, as those that are accomplished.

yielded himself up to the one aim of his devoted life, and went on, with that hushed concentration of his faculties which would have made his figure solitary in a multitude.

Never to put one hand to anything, on which I could throw my whole self;

I really feel almost ashamed of having known that he was not quite in his wits, taking account of the utmost I have done with mine.

For myself, I am fighting my way on in the world against difficulties, and it would be ridiculous if I made a pretence of doing anything else.’