Some have an idea that the reason we in this country discard things so readily is because we have so much. The facts are exactly opposite—the reason we have so much is simply because we discard things so readily. We replace the old in return for something that will serve us better.
—Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. (American Businessman, Philanthropist)
Everybody, my friend, everybody lives for something better to come. That’s why we want to be considerate of every man—Who knows what’s in him, why he was born and what he can do?
—Maxim Gorky (Russian Writer)
History teaches that wars begin when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap. To keep the peace, we and our allies must be strong enough to convince any potential aggressor that war could bring no benefit, only disaster.
—Ronald Reagan (American Head of State)
Among all human pursuits, the pursuit of wisdom is more perfect, more noble, more useful, and more full of joy.
—Thomas Aquinas (Italian Catholic Priest)
Work has a greater effect than any other technique of living in the direction of binding the individual more closely to reality; in his work, at least, he is securely attached to a part of reality, the human community.
—Sigmund Freud (Austrian Psychiatrist)
Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Philosopher)
I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government to the genuine principles of its constitution; I mean an additional article, taking from the federal government the power of borrowing.
—Thomas Jefferson (American Head of State)
It is really very impressive how many excuses we can invent for why we aren’t sitting. This idea we have that when things are perfect, then we’ll start practicing … things will never be perfect. This is samsara!
—Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo (British Buddhist Teacher, Nun)
An ambitious person should overcome the following six weaknesses—resting (oversleeping), lethargy, fear, anger, laziness and procrastination.
—The Mahabharata (Hindu Religious Text)
There are no speed limits on the road to excellence.
—David W. Johnson (American Business Executive)
Well, youth is the period of assumed personalities and disguises. It is the time of the sincerely insincere.
—V. S. Pritchett (British Short Story Writer)
The contemplation of truth and beauty is the proper object for which we were created, which calls forth the most intense desires of the soul, and of which it never tires.
—William Hazlitt (English Essayist)
We must live for the few who know and appreciate us, who judge and absolve us, and for whom we have the same affection and indulgence. The rest I look upon as a mere crowd, lively or sad, loyal or corrupt, from whom there is nothing to be expected but fleeting emotions, either pleasant or unpleasant, which leave no trace behind them.
—Sarah Bernhardt (French Actress)