Having done this we have only got to settle what a thing is-when a thing is a thing pure and simple, and when it is only a congeries of things-and we shall doubtless then live very happily and very philosophically ever afterwards.
"Luck or Cunning?"
Samuel Butler
Granted that death is a greater new departure in an organism's life, than any since that congeries of births and deaths to which the name embryonic stages is commonly given, still it is a new departure of the same essential character as any other- that is to say, though there be much new there is much, not to say more, old along with it.
"Luck or Cunning?"
Samuel Butler
And all the congeries of human atoms that make up the battalion, learn new and precious lessons and acquire new virtues-patience, obedience, courage, endurance....
"The Rough Road"
William John Locke