“Most of our pocket wisdom is conceived for the use of mediocre people, to discourage them from ambitious attempts, and generally console them in their mediocrity.”

Scottish novelist, essayist, poet, and travel writer

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, essayist, poet, and travel writer. He is remembered for fiction that includes Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Kidnapped. His work also includes the poetry collection A Child's Garden of Verses. He wrote across several forms, but is most closely associated with adventure stories, moral darkness, and verse for children.