197 quotes
The ploughman knows how many acres he shall upturn from dawn to sunset: but the thinker knows not what a day may bring forth.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
There is some lack either of sense or of character in one who becomes involved in difficulties with the worthless or the vicious.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
Unless we consent to lack the common things which men call success, we shall hardly become heroes or saints, philosophers or poets.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
When one sense has been bribed the others readily bear false witness.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
The work whereby men gain a livelihood involves mental and moral mutilation, unless it be done in the spirit of religion and culture.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
It is unpleasant to turn back, though it be to take the right way.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
The will—the one thing it is most important to educate—we neglect.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
The lover of education labors first of all to educate himself.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
Solitude is unbearable for those who can not bear themselves.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
Break not the will of the young, but guide it to right ends.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
When pleasure is made a business, it ceases to be pleasure.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
The important thing is how we know, not what or how much.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
The noblest are they who turning from the things the vulgar crave, seek the source of a blessed life in worlds to which the senses do not lead.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
When the crowd acclaims its favorites it applauds itself.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
Have as little suspicion as possible and conceal that.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
The smaller the company, the larger the conversation.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
The narrow-minded and petty sticklers for the formalities which hedge rank and office are the true vulgarians, however observant they be of etiquette.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
If thou wouldst be implacable, be so with thyself.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
He who leaves school, knowing little, but with a longing for knowledge, will go farther than one who quits, knowing many things, but not caring to learn more.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)
Friends humor and flatter us, they steal our time, they encourage our love of ease, they make us content with ourselves, they are the foes of our virtue and our glory.
Aphorisms and Reflections (1901)