WIST

I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success … Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.

Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) Serbian-American inventor, physicist, engineer, futurist
In Cleveland Moffitt, “A Talk With Tesla,” Atlanta Constitution (7 Jun 1896)

In every country and in every age the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) US President (1801-09)
Letter to Horatio Gates Spafford (17 Mar 1814)

Here is the secret: A man is a very small thing whilst he works by and for himself but an immense and omnipotent worker as soon as he puts himself right with the law of nature. … It is as when you come to a conflagration with your fire engine — no matter how good the machine, you will make but a feeble spray, whilst you draw from your own tub. But once you get your hose … dipped in the river, or in the harbor, and you can ump as long as the sea holds out.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American essayist and poet
“Notebook WO Liberty” (1855)

“Familiarity breeds kontempt.” This only applies tew men, not tew hot bukwheat slapkakes, well buttered and sugared.

["Familiarity breeds contempt." This only applies to men, not to hot buckwheat slapcakes, well buttered and sugared.]

Josh Billings (1818-1885) American humorist [pseud. of Henry Wheeler Shaw]
Josh Billings: His Works, Complete (1873)

It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance, for our consideration and application of these things, and I know of no substitute whatever for the force and beauty of its process.

Henry James (1843-1916) American writer
Letter to H.G. Wells (10 July 1915)