It is not the facts which guide the conduct of men, but their opinions about facts; which may be entirely wrong. We can only make them right by discussion.
—Norman Angell (English Economist, Pacifist)
When occasions present themselves, in which the interests of the people are at variance with their inclinations, it is the duty of the persons whom they have appointed to be the guardians of those interests, to withstand the temporary delusion, in order to give them time and opportunity for more cool and sedate reflection.
—Alexander Hamilton (American Statesman)
Humour is the weapon of unarmed people: it helps people who are oppressed to smile at the situation that pains them.
—Simon Wiesenthal (Austrian Nazi-Hunter)
When you think you have a great idea, go out of your way to talk with someone who disagrees with it. At worst, you continue to disagree with them. More often, you’ll gain valuable perspective. Fight confirmation bias like the plague.
—Morgan Housel (American Financial Journalist, Investor)
This is a work of fiction. All the characters in it, human and otherwise, are imaginary, excepting only certain of the fairy folk, whom it might be unwise to offend by casting doubts on their existence. Or lack thereof.
—Neil Gaiman (British Writer)
To bear with patience wrongs done to oneself is a mark of perfection, but to bear with patience wrongs done to someone else is a mark of imperfection and even of actual sin.
—Thomas Aquinas (Italian Catholic Priest)
O, innocence, the sacred amulet against all the poisons of infirmity, and all misfortunes, injury, and death.
—George Chapman (English Poet, Playwright)
Anger represents a certain power, when a great mind, prevented from executing its own generous desires, is moved by it.
—Pietro Aretino (Italian Author)
Be as an cup, and the universe flows into you. Be as an arrow, and the universe retreats from you.
—Zen Proverb (Japanese School of Mahayana Buddhism)
Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean.
—Christopher Reeve (American Actor)
Death and taxes and childbirth! There’s never any convenient time for any of them!
—Margaret Mitchell (American Novelist)