“Whereas, once under way, you can get so far that going forwards is the only choice.”

“Ah, monsieur, to live in the bosom of the sea! Only there can independence be found! There I recognize no master! There I am free!”

“Ned Land: I wouldn't be surprised if they were cannibals; but I can assure you they won't eat me without my having something to say about it!Conseil: Keep calm, Ned, keep calm. You're getting angry before there is any need to. We're not in the pot yet!”

“The sea is only the embodiment of a supernatural and wonderful existence. It is nothing but love and emotion; it is the 'Living Infinite'...The globe began with sea, so to speak; and who knows if it will not end with it? In it is supreme tranquility.”

“Oh, figures!' answered Ned. 'You can make figures do whatever you want.”

“We are of opinion that instead of letting books grow moldy behind an iron grating, far from the vulgar gaze, it is better to let them wear out by being read.”

“Why lower oneself to taking pride from being American or British, when you can boast of being man!”