139 quotes
Horus non numero nisi serenas—"I count only the hours that are serene"—is the motto of a sundial near Venice. There is a softness and a harmony in the words and in the thought unparalleled.
Men and Manners: Sketches and Essays (1852)
Grace is the absence of every thing that indicates pain or difficulty, or hesitation or incongruity.
The Round Table (1815)
The temple of fame stands upon the grave: the flame that burns upon its altars is kindled from the ashes of dead men.
Lectures on the English Poets (1818)
Though familiarity may not breed contempt, it takes off the edge of admiration.
Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823)
If mankind had wished for what is right, they might have had it long ago.
The Plain Speaker (1826)
The least pain in our little finger gives us more concern and uneasiness, than the destruction of millions of our fellow-beings.
Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own.
There are names written in her immortal scroll, at which FAME blushes!
Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823)
Some persons make promises for the pleasure of breaking them.
Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823)
All that is worth remembering in life, is the poetry of it.
Lectures on the English Poets (1818)
Some one is generally sure to be the sufferer by a joke.
Lectures on the English Comic Writers (1819)
Those who can command themselves, command others.
Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823)
Wit is, in fact, the eloquence of indifference.
Lectures on the English Comic Writers (1819)
The public have neither shame or gratitude.
Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823)
Anyone must be mainly ignorant or thoughtless, who is surprised at everything he sees; or wonderfully conceited who expects everything to conform to his standard of propriety.
Lectures on the English Comic Writers (1819)
If you think you can win, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory.
Do not keep on with a mockery of friendship after the substance is gone — but part, while you can part friends. Bury the carcass of friendship: it is not worth embalming.
I deny that liberty and slavery are convertible terms, that right and wrong, truth and falsehood, plenty and famine, the comforts or wretchedness of a people, are matters of perfect indifference.
Political Essays (1819)
Our friends are generally ready to do everything for us, except the very thing we wish them to do.
Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823)
The person whose doors I enter with most pleasure, and quit with most regret, never did me the smallest favour.
The Plain Speaker (1826)