The Swiss Family Robinson; or Adventures in a Desert Island

“It was one of those happy days that God grants us sometimes on earth to give us an idea of the bliss of heaven.””

— Johann David Wyss

“I shall be satisfied if young people who read this record of our lives and adventures should learn from it how admirably suited is the peaceful, industrious life of a cheerful and united family to the formation of strong, pure, and manly character.””

— Johann David Wyss

“The monkeys seized all the cocoanuts within their reach and sent them down upon us””

— Johann David Wyss

“If it be the will of God," said my wife, "to leave us alone on this solitary place, let us be content; and rejoice that we are all together in safety.””

— Johann David Wyss

“A noble mind finds its purest joy in the accomplishment of its duty, and to that willingly sacrifices its inclination.””

— Johann David Wyss

“Let us not disdain the ass,””

— Johann David Wyss

“You know God helps those that help themselves!””

— Johann David Wyss

“But in reality, the more there was to do the better; and I never ceased contriving fresh improvements, being fully aware of the importance of constant employment as a means of strengthening and maintaining the health of mind and body. This, indeed, with a consciousness of continual progress toward a desirable end, is found to constitute the main element of happiness. Our””

— Johann David Wyss

“We at length, when we had captured as many fish as we could possibly utilize, set about cleaning and preparing their flesh. Some we salted, some we dried like the herrings, some we treated like the tunny of the Mediterranean”

— Johann David Wyss