And listening to all the things they would do if they had these things, Wang Lung heard only of how much they would eat and sleep, and of what dainties they would eat that they had never tasted,and how they would gamble in this great tea shop and in that, and what pretty women they would buy for their lust, and above all, how none would ever work again, even as they rich man behind the wall never worked. (Pearl S. Buck, "The Good Earth")
He saw on the paper a picture of a man, white-skinned, who hung upon a crosspiece of wood. The man was without clothes except for a bit about his loins, and to all appearences he was dead, since his head drooped upon his shoulder and his eyes were closed above his bearded lips. Wang Lung looked at the pictured man in horror and with increasing interest. (Pearl S. Buck, "The Good Earth")
I am always glad when any of my books can be put into an inexpensive edition, because I like to think that any people who might wish to read them can do so. Surely books ought to be within reach of everybody. (Pearl S. Buck, "The Good Earth")
If our American way of life fails the child, it fails us all. (Pearl S. Buck)
The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible - and achieve it, generation after generation. (Pearl S. Buck)
Praise out of season, or tactlessly bestowed, can freeze the heart as much as blame. (Pearl S. Buck)
None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free. (Pearl S. Buck)
Race prejudice is not only a shadow over the colored it is a shadow over all of us, and the shadow is darkest over those who feel it least and allow its evil effects to go on. (Pearl S. Buck)
When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail. (Pearl S. Buck)
We send missionaries to China so the Chinese can get to heaven, but we won't let them into our country. (Pearl S. Buck)
Truth is always exciting. Speak it, then; life is dull without it. (Pearl S. Buck)
Growth itself contains the germ of happiness. (Pearl S. Buck)
To eat bread without hope is still slowly to starve to death. (Pearl S. Buck)