Illusory joy is often worth more than genuine sorrow.
—Rene Descartes (French Mathematician, Philosopher)
Judgement can be acquired only by acute observation, by actual experience in the school of life, by ceaseless alertness to learn from others, by study of the activities of men who have made notable marks, by striving to analyze the everyday play of causes and effects, by constant study of human nature.
—B. C. Forbes (Scottish-born American Journalist)
I think the hardest thing is losing weight. That’s the hardest thing more than anything else.
—Aretha Franklin (American Gospel And Soul Singer)
Short-term thinking is at the root of most of our problems, whether it’s in business, politics, investing, or work.
—Morgan Housel (American Financial Journalist, Investor)
Intentions often melt in the face of unexpected opportunity.
—Shirley Temple (American Actress, Diplomat)
Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the ‘transcendent’ and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself. Distrust compassion; prefer dignity for yourself and others. Don’t be afraid to be thought arrogant or selfish. Picture all experts as if they were mammals. Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence. Suspect your own motives, and all excuses. Do not live for others any more than you would expect others to live for you.
—Christopher Hitchens (Anglo-American Social Critic)
When conscience is pure it triumphs o’er bitter malice, o’er dark calumny; but if there be in it one single stain, reproaches beat like hammers in the ears.
—Alexander Pushkin (National Poet of Russia)
Yesterday’s drunkenness will not quench today’s thirst.
—Egyptian Proverb
Insurrection is an art, and like all arts has its own laws.
—Leon Trotsky (Russian Revolutionary)
Time is a great healer, but a poor beautician.
—Lucille S. Harper (American Freelance Writer)
Art consists of limitation. The most beautiful part of every picture is the frame.
—G. K. Chesterton (English Journalist)
Next to faith in God, is faith in labor.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (American Writer, Aphorist)
If boyhood and youth are but vanity, must it not be our ambition to become men?
—Vincent van Gogh (Dutch Painter)