Very few men are wise by their own counsel, or learned by their own teaching; for he that was only taught by himself had a fool as his master.
—Ben Jonson (English Dramatist)
Men, whose trade is rat-catching, love to catch rats; the bug destroyer seizes on his bug with delight; and the suppressor is gratified by finding his vice.
—Sydney Smith (English Anglican Writer)
Who sows virtue reaps honor.
—Leonardo da Vinci (Italian Polymath)
Striving for perfection is the greatest stopper there is. You’ll be afraid you can’t achieve it … It’s your excuse to yourself for not doing anything. Instead, strive for excellence, doing your best.
—Laurence Olivier (English Actor)
The four cornerstones of character on which the structure of this nation was built are: Initiative, Imagination, Individuality and Independence.
—Eddie Rickenbacker (American Military Leader)
Desperation is the raw material of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have ever believed in can hope to escape.
—William S. Burroughs (American Novelist)
If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.
—Michelangelo (Italian Painter)
Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.
—Hector Berlioz (French Composer)
Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved.
—Victor Hugo (French Novelist)