“ Men thin away to insignificance and oblivion quite as often by not making the most of good spirits when they have them as by lacking good spirits when they are indispensable. ”
Thomas Hardy, Far from the Madding Crowd (1874). copy citation
| Author | Thomas Hardy |
|---|---|
| Source | Far from the Madding Crowd |
| Topic | insignificance oblivion |
| Date | 1874 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/107/107-h/107-h.htm |
Context
“she said, smiling winningly, and not troubling to bring her lips quite together again at the end, because there was going to be another smile soon.
"I will," said Gabriel.
And she smiled on him again.
CHAPTER XXII
THE GREAT BARN AND THE SHEEP-SHEARERS
Men thin away to insignificance and oblivion quite as often by not making the most of good spirits when they have them as by lacking good spirits when they are indispensable. Gabriel lately, for the first time since his prostration by misfortune, had been independent in thought and vigorous in action to a marked extent—conditions which, powerless without an opportunity as an opportunity without them is barren, would have given him a sure lift upwards when the favourable conjunction should have occurred.”
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