The Mysterious Island

by Jules Verne

Before all masters, necessity is the one most listened to, and who teaches the best.

Civilization never recedes; the law of necessity ever forces it onwards.

"Sir, your error was in supposing that the past can be resuscitated, and in contending against inevitable progress. It is one of those errors which some admire, others blame; which God alone can judge.

He who is mistaken in an action which he sincerely believes to be right may be an enemy, but retains our esteem.