17 Best Jules Verne Quotes

“The earth is a small place, after all.”

Spoken by Phileas Fogg early in the book, this line encapsulates his calm, logical perspective on the world and his confidence in the feasibility of his journey. It highlights his detached, almost scientific view of geography, setting the stage for his audacious wager.

“As for me, I have no wife and no children; I have no relatives, living or dead.”

Phileas Fogg states this to his fellow Reform Club members when discussing his lack of personal ties. It explains his willingness to undertake such a risky and solitary journey, emphasizing his self-contained nature and the absence of emotional anchors that might deter others.

“I will bet twenty thousand pounds against anyone who wishes to take it up, that I will make the tour of the world in eighty days or less.”

This is Phileas Fogg's audacious challenge to his Reform Club colleagues, initiating the entire adventure. It establishes the central conflict and the high stakes of the journey, driven by Fogg's unwavering confidence and precise calculations.

“The unforeseen does not exist.”

This is Phileas Fogg's philosophical declaration, reflecting his belief in meticulous planning and the predictability of events. It underscores his stoic and rational approach to life, even as he faces numerous unexpected obstacles throughout his journey.

“Mr. Fogg is not travelling, he is describing a circumference.”

Passepartout makes this observation, highlighting his master's methodical and almost abstract approach to the journey. It emphasizes Fogg's focus on the mathematical completion of the circuit rather than experiencing the places themselves, contrasting with Passepartout's own curiosity.

“I am an Englishman, and I never jest about a serious thing like a wager.”

Phileas Fogg utters this to his companions, reinforcing his unwavering commitment to his word and the seriousness with which he approaches the bet. It reflects a quintessential Victorian English trait of honor and adherence to agreements, central to his character.

“He was a man of habit, and he had a habit of being exact.”

This descriptive line introduces Phileas Fogg, immediately establishing his defining characteristics: meticulousness, precision, and an unyielding adherence to routine. It sets the stage for his extraordinary journey, which is undertaken with the same rigorous exactitude.

“We have gained a day!”

Passepartout exclaims this at the very end of the journey, realizing their crucial error in calculation due to traveling eastward across the International Date Line. This discovery is the pivotal moment that saves Fogg's wager, revealing the unexpected consequence of their global circumnavigation.

“Because I thought it was Sunday.”

Passepartout's simple explanation for his mistake in believing it was Sunday, when it was actually Saturday, reveals the critical misunderstanding about the date. This single error, when corrected, allows Phileas Fogg to win his wager, highlighting the importance of precise timing.

“You are a man of heart, Mr. Fogg.”

Aouda says this to Phileas Fogg, acknowledging his compassion and humanity despite his outwardly stoic demeanor. It comes after Fogg has saved her life and shown genuine care, revealing a deeper, more emotional side to his character than initially perceived.

“I have lost the wager by five minutes.”

Phileas Fogg's somber declaration upon arriving at the Reform Club, believing he is too late. This moment of apparent defeat underscores the immense pressure and the razor-thin margins of his journey, setting up the dramatic twist of the final resolution.

“I have still twenty thousand pounds left. I shall not lose it. I will divide it with you, Passepartout.”

Fogg says this to Passepartout after believing he has lost the wager, demonstrating his generosity and loyalty. Despite his own financial loss, he prioritizes his faithful servant's well-being, showcasing his underlying moral character and appreciation for companionship.

“As for Phileas Fogg, it seemed as if he had never left London.”

Describing Fogg's calm and composed demeanor even amidst his extraordinary journey.

“In short, to go round the world in eighty days, it is necessary to be a calculating machine.”

Passepartout's observation about the precision required for Fogg's enterprise.

“We are going round the world, and we must not forget that.”

Passepartout reminding Fogg of their ultimate goal amidst various distractions and delays.

“It is true that I have no time to lose.”

Phileas Fogg's frequent refrain, emphasizing the urgency of his journey.

“You, an Englishman, have made this wager?”

One of the Reform Club members questioning Fogg's audacious bet.