Souls and purses [...] these two are obsessed with souls and purses.
-- Nella (New Alphabet paragraph 8)

Importance: Nella has this thought upon first witnessing Johannes interacting with Marin. She observes that finances and spirituality are at the core of the majority of their conversations.

Everything man sees he takes for a toy.
-- Narrator (On The Kalverstraat paragraph 6)

Importance: This phrase is on a sign hung above the miniaturist’s workshop. It is a saying that mocks the way mankind is so quick to feel superior over the world. In this case, the miniaturist is proclaiming the profundity of her work: while others may see a toy, it is something that should not be trivialized.

Every woman is the architect of her own fortune.
-- The Miniaturist/Petronella (Delivery paragraph 5)

Importance: The miniaturist sends this phrase to Nella with her first package. Nella is initially confused by the phrase, as she feels it is only men who are capable of shaping a life. Later in the novel, Nella will come...