WIST Quotations

Billings, Josh -- Josh Billings’ Farmer’s Allminax, 1876-08 (1876 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:26:05 +0000

He who aims at perfekshun will probably miss the mark, but he who aims at nothing, iz sure to hit it every time.

[He who aims at perfection will probably miss the mark, but he who aims at nothing, is sure to hit it every time.]

Josh Billings (1818–1885) American humorist, aphorist [pseud. of Henry Wheeler Shaw]
Josh Billings’ Farmer’s Allminax, 1876-08 (1876 ed.)
(Source)

See also Aristotle, Thoreau (1854), Lowell (1869).

Kerr, Jean -- Essay (1955-11), “Our Gingerbread Dream House,” Ladies Home Journal

Dave — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:48:11 +0000

In the beginning, we made the usual mistake of looking at houses we could afford. I am working on a proposition, hereafter to be known as Kerr’s law, which states in essence: All the houses you can afford to buy are depressing.

Jean Kerr (1922–2003) American author and playwright [b. Bridget Jean Collins]
Essay (1955-11), “Our Gingerbread Dream House,” Ladies Home Journal
(Source)

Reprinted as "The Kerr-Hilton" in Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1957).

Russell, Bertrand -- Education and the Good Life, Part 1, ch. 1 “Postulates of Modern Educational Theory” (1926)

Dave — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:18:58 +0000

And it is only through imagination that men become aware of what the world might be; without it, “progress” would become mechanical and trivial.

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) English mathematician and philosopher
Education and the Good Life, Part 1, ch. 1 “Postulates of Modern Educational Theory” (1926)
(Source)

Belloc, Hilaire -- Poem (1923), “Epigram 1: On His Books,” Sonnets and Verse

Dave — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:21:29 +0000

When I am dead, I hope it may be said:
“His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.”

Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953) Franco-British writer, historian [Joseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc]
Poem (1923), “Epigram 1: On His Books,” Sonnets and Verse
(Source)

Sometimes called "An Author's Hope."

Russell, Bertrand -- Conquest of Happiness, Part 2, ch. 14 “Work” (1930)

Dave — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:23:44 +0000

The habit of viewing life as a whole is an essential part both of wisdom and of true morality, and is one of the things which ought to be encouraged in education. Consistent purpose is not enough to make life happy, but it is an almost indispensable condition of a happy life. And consistent purpose embodies itself mainly in work.

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) English mathematician and philosopher
Conquest of Happiness, Part 2, ch. 14 “Work” (1930)
(Source)

Stevenson, Robert Louis -- Essay (1881), “Virginibus Puerisque, Part 2”

Dave — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:56:35 +0000

Hope is the boy, a blind, headlong, pleasant fellow, good to chase swallows with the salt; Faith is the grave, experienced, yet smiling man. Hope lives on ignorance; open-eyed Faith is built upon a knowledge of our life, of the tyranny of circumstance and the frailty of human resolution. Hope looks for unqualified success; but Faith counts certainly on failure, and takes honourable defeat to be a form of victory. Hope is a kind old pagan; but Faith grew up in Christian days, and early learnt humility.
In the one temper, a man is indignant that he cannot spring up in a clap to heights of elegance and virtue; in the other, out of a sense of his infirmities, he is filled with confidence because a year has come and gone, and he has still preserved some rags of honour. In the first, he expects an angel for a wife; in the last, he knows that she is like himself — erring, thoughtless, and untrue; but like himself also, filled with a struggling radiancy of better things, and adorned with ineffective qualities.

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) Scottish essayist, novelist, poet
Essay (1881), “Virginibus Puerisque, Part 2”
(Source)

First published in Virginibus Puerisque and Other Papers, ch. 1, part 2 (1881).

Hugo, Victor -- Les Misérables, Part 5 “Jean Valjean,” Book 6 “The White Night,” ch. 2 (5.6.2) (1862) [tr. Donougher (2013)]

Dave — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:17:10 +0000

To love, or to have loved, is enough. Ask for nothing more. There is no other pearl to be found in life’s shadowy convolutions. To love is an achievement.

[Aimer ou avoir aimé, cela suffit. Ne demandez rien ensuite. On n’a pas d’autre perle à trouver dans les plis ténébreux de la vie. Aimer est un accomplissement.]

Victor Hugo (1802–1885) French writer, journalist, human rights activist, politician
Les Misérables, Part 5 “Jean Valjean,” Book 6 “The White Night,” ch. 2 (5.6.2) (1862) [tr. Donougher (2013)]
(Source)

Concluding the chapter of the wedding of Marius and Cosette.

(Source (French)). Alternate translations:

To love or to have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life. To love is a consummation.
[tr. Wilbour (1862); tr. Wilbour/Fahnestock/MacAfee (1987)]

To love or to have loved is sufficient; ask nothing more after that. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life, for love is a consummation.
[tr. Wraxall (1862)]

To love, or to have loved, -- this suffices. Demand nothing more. There is no other pearl to be found in the shadowy folds of life. To love is a fulfilment.
[tr. Hapgood (1887)]

To love or to have loved is all-sufficing. We must not ask for more. No other pearl is to be found in the shadowed folds of life. To love is an accomplishment.
[tr. Denny (1976)]

Dickens, Charles -- Speech (1841-06-25), Shakespeare Club Dinner, Waterloo Rooms, Edinburgh, Scotland

Dave — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:19:43 +0000

I felt an earnest and humble desire, and shall do till I die, to increase the stock of harmless cheerfulness.

Charles Dickens (1812–1870) English writer and social critic
Speech (1841-06-25), Shakespeare Club Dinner, Waterloo Rooms, Edinburgh, Scotland
(Source)

Horace -- Epistles [Epistularum, Letters], Book 1, ep. 1 “To Maecenas,” l. 28ff (1.1.28-32) (20 BC) [tr. Fuchs (1977)]

Dave — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 17:52:40 +0000

In sharpness of vision you’re no match for Lynceus,
but you don’t despise ointment if you have sore eyes;
and though you’ll never match unbeaten Glycon’s strength,
you guard yourself against attacks of crippling gout.
We advance part way even if we can’t go further.

[Non possis oculo quantum contendere Lynceus,
non tamen idcirco contemnas lippus inungui;
nec quia desperes invicti membra Glyconis,
nodosa corpus nolis prohibere cheragra.
Est quadam prodire tenus, si non datur ultra.]

Horace (65–8 BC) Roman poet, satirist, soldier, politician [Quintus Horatius Flaccus]
Epistles [Epistularum, Letters], Book 1, ep. 1 “To Maecenas,” l. 28ff (1.1.28-32) (20 BC) [tr. Fuchs (1977)]
(Source)

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

Though one cannot lyke Linceus with pearsing eyesight see,
To mende his sighte he maye not grudge inoynted for to be.
Lyke lustie Glyco thou dispayres in lymmes to be so stoute
Yet maye thou exercyse thy selfe to shun the knottie gowte.
A man maye clim a step, or twayne thoughe he goe not beyonde.
[tr. Drant (1567)]

Thy eyes will never pierce like Lynceus eye,
Scorn not to noint them though if sore they are:
Nor, of a Wrastlers strength if thou despair,
Neglect to salve the knotted Gout. If more
'S deni'd, 'tis something to have gon thus fur.
[tr. Fanshawe; ed. Brome (1666)]

Yours cannot be as good as Lynceus Eyes,
What then, when Sore must I fit Cures despise?
You cannot Hope to have your Limbs as great
As Glyco's, nor so strong and firmly set,
Yet to prevent the Gout hast Thou no care?
What, if of farther progress you despair,
'Tis somewhat surely to have gone thus far.
[tr. Creech (1684)]

You cannot hope for Lynceus' piercing eyes:
But will you then a strengthening salve despise?
You wish for matchless Glycon's limbs, in vain,
Yet why not cure the gout's decrepit pain?
Though of exact perfection you despair,
Yet every step to virtue's worth your care.
[tr. Francis (1747)]

Though not a Lynceus, one may sure apply
The lenient salve to a distemper'd eye;
Nor would you scorn from chalk-stones to preserve
Joints that despair of Glycon's lion nerve.
Though hopeless to surmount fair virtue's hill,
To climb a certain height is something still.
[tr. Howes (1845)]

Your sight is not so piercing as that of Lynceus; you will not however therefore despise being anointed, if you are sore-eyed: nor because you despair of the muscles of the invincible Glycon, will you be careless of preserving your body from the knotty gout. There is some point to which we may reach, if we can go no further.
[tr. Smart/Buckley (1853)]

Your eyes will never see like Lynceus'; still
You rub them with an ointment when they're ill.
You cannot hope for Glyco's stalwart frame,
Yet you'd avoid the gout that makes you lame.
Some point of moral progress each may gain,
Though to aspire beyond it should prove vain.
[tr. Conington (1874)]

No Lynceus you, yet will you not despise,
Because of that, a salve for aching eyes.
Glycon in thews may beat you out and out,
Shall you not, therefore, keep at bay the gout?
Fair wisdom's goal may not be reached, but you
May on the road advance a stage or two.
[tr. Martin (1881)]

You may be unable to see so far as Lyncæus, yet you do not on this account, being a blear-eyed man, despise ointment. You may despair of possessing limbs like those of the unconquered gladiator Glycon, yet you will endeavour to preserve yourself from the hand-crippling gout. It is permitted us to attain a certain point, though denied us beyond it.
[tr. Elgood (1893)]

You may not be able, with your eyes, to see as far as Lynceus, yet you would not on that account scorn to anoint them, if sore. Nor, because you may not hope for unconquered Glycon's strength of limb, would you decline to keep your body free from the gnarls of gout. It is worth while to take some steps forward, though we may not go still further.
[tr. Fairclough (Loeb) (1926)]

One's eye may see Less far than Lynceus', yet, if bleared one be,
One won't despise the ointment's soft control;
Nor, since one can't have Glycon's limbs so stark,
Should one be careless to ward off the gout.
There is a point whereto we may reach out,
If yet we cannot go beyond that mark.
[tr. Murrison, ed. Kraemer (1936)]

Your eyes aren’t as keen
As Lynceus’, but this doesn’t mean that if they’re inflamed
You shouldn’t put drops in them. Glycon’s muscular limbs
Will never be yours, but still, you ought to take steps
To insure that the gout doesn’t tie your body in knots.
Your strides may be modest: they'll still take you further along.
[tr. Palmer Bovie (1959)]

Your eyes will never see as Lynkeus
Saw, riding with Jason, but when your eyes
Hurt, you rub them with slave. Olympic
Winners are stronger, alas, than you
Can ever be, but you too protect
Yourself form the wringing pain of gout.
It pays to go as far as our feet will take us,
Though there's farther to go,
And we can never go that far.
[tr. Raffel (1983)]

Suppose you don't have eyes as good as Lynceus;
That doesn't mean that if they're sore you wouldn't
Use salve to make them better; suppose you haen't
A chance int he world of competing with undefeated
Glycon the strongman, that doesn't mean you wouldn't
Try everythihng you could by exercise
To keep away rheumatic aches and pains.
You can't do everything, but you have to do
Everything you can.
[tr. Ferry (2001)]

You might not be able to rival Lynceus in length of vision,
but that wouldn’t make you refuse a salve if your eyes were sore.
You'll never enjoy the physique of Glyco the champeon athlete,
but you'd still want to keep your body free from the knots of gout.
We can all make some progress, in spite of our limitations.
[tr. Rudd (2005 ed.)]

You mightn’t be able to match Lynceus’ eyesight,
But you wouldn’t not bathe your eyes if they were sore:
And just because you can’t hope to have Glycon’s peerless
Physique, you’d still want your body free of knotty gout.
We should go as far as we can if we can’t go further.
[tr. Kline (2015)]

Shakespeare, William -- Richard III, Act 1, sc. 2, l. 218ff (1.2.218-219) (1592)

Dave — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:32:25 +0000

RICHARD: But shall I live in hope?
LADY ANNE: All men, I hope, live so.

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) English dramatist and poet
Richard III, Act 1, sc. 2, l. 218ff (1.2.218-219) (1592)
(Source)

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 89 (1725)

Dave — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:05:29 +0000

Seek not to be rich, but Happy.

Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 89 (1725)
(Source)

Rogers, Will -- Column (1929-02-03), “Weekly Article: Oklahoma Has Gone Zodiac!”

Dave — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 19:29:09 +0000

People love high Ideals. But they got to be about 33 percent plausible.

Will Rogers (1879–1935) American humorist
Column (1929-02-03), “Weekly Article: Oklahoma Has Gone Zodiac!”
(Source)

Collected in Will Rogers' Weekly Articles, Vol. 3 "The Coolidge Years, 1927-1929," No. 319 (1980).

Boucher, Anthony -- “The Barrier,” Astounding Science-Fiction, Vol. 30, No. 1 (1942-09)

Dave — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:40:03 +0000

Man has always dreamed of power. But damn it, man has always dreamed of love, too, and of the rights of his fellow man. The only power worthy of man is the power of all mankind struggling together toward a goal of unobtainable perfection.

Anthony Boucher (1911–1968) American author, critic, and editor [pseud. of William White; also H. H. Holmes and Herman W. Mudgett]
“The Barrier,” Astounding Science-Fiction, Vol. 30, No. 1 (1942-09)
(Source)

Wilcox, Ella Wheeler -- Poem (1906), “Climbing,” ll. 9-10, New Thought Pastels

Dave — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:50:43 +0000

Who would attain to summits still and fair,
Must nerve himself through valleys of despair.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1919) American author, poet, temperance advocate, spiritualist
Poem (1906), “Climbing,” ll. 9-10, New Thought Pastels
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:57:26 +0000

He that pursues two Hares at once, does not catch one and lets t’other go.

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Roosevelt, Franklin Delano -- Speech (1938-11-04), “The Election of Liberals” (radio broadcast)

Dave — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:45:36 +0000

Too many who prate about saving democracy are really only interested in saving things as they were. Democracy should concern itself also with things as they should be.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945) American lawyer, politician, statesman, US President (1933–1945)
Speech (1938-11-04), “The Election of Liberals” (radio broadcast)
(Source)

Goethe, Johann von -- Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship, Book 8, ch. 4 (1796) [tr. Carlyle (1824)]

Dave — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 22:18:52 +0000

When we take people merely as they are, we make them worse; when we treat them as if they were what they should be, we improve them as far as they can be improved.

[Wenn wir die Menschen nur nehmen, wie sie sind, so machen wir sie schlechter; wenn wir sie behandeln, als wären sie, was sie sein sollten, so bringen wir sie dahin, wohin sie zu bringen sind.]

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship, Book 8, ch. 4 (1796) [tr. Carlyle (1824)]
(Source)

Theresa, quoting Wilhelm in a letter to him.

(Source (German)). Another translation:

If all we do is take people as they are, we shall make them worse; if we treat them as if they were what they ought to be, we shall lead them to that place where they are to be led.
[tr. Waidson (1972)]

The following very similar passage is often cited to Haim Ginott, Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers (1972), but does not appear in that work:

If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.

Maurois, Andre -- Conversation, “Confidences” (1930)

Dave — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 22:32:55 +0000

The voice of a man when he reads reveals not what he is, but what he wants to be. It is the voice of the personage whom he visualizes when he thinks of himself.

André Maurois (1885–1967) French author [b. Émile Salomon Wilhelm Herzog]
Conversation, “Confidences” (1930)
(Source)

Einstein, Albert -- Speech (1936-10-15), Convocation of University of New York, Albany [tr. Arronet]

Dave — Thu, 30 May 2024 17:51:28 +0000

One should guard against preaching to the young man success in the customary sense as the aim of life. For a successful man is he who receives a great deal from this fellowmen, usually incomparably more than corresponds to his service to them. The value of a man, however, should be seen what he gives. and not in what he is able to receive.

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-American physicist
Speech (1936-10-15), Convocation of University of New York, Albany [tr. Arronet]
(Source)

Collected in "On Education" (1936), Out of My Later Years, ch. 9 (1950).

Obama, Barack -- Speech (2005-06-04), Commencement, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois

Dave — Thu, 16 May 2024 16:33:25 +0000

Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. You need to take up the challenges that we face as a nation and make them your own. Not because you have a debt to those who helped you get here, although you do have that debt. Not because you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate than you, although I do think you do have that obligation. It’s primarily because you have an obligation to yourself. Because individual salvation has always depended on collective salvation. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.

Barack Obama (b. 1961) American politician, US President (2009–2017)
Speech (2005-06-04), Commencement, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois
(Source)

(Source (Video))

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 5 (1963)

Dave — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:15:22 +0000

If it came true, it wasn’t much of a dream.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 5 (1963)
(Source)

King, Martin Luther -- Sermon (1967-12-24), “A Christmas Sermon on Peace,” Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta

Dave — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:25:27 +0000

Yes, I am personally the victim of deferred dreams, of blasted hopes, but in spite of that I close today by saying I still have a dream, because, you know, you can’t give up in life. If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968) American clergyman, civil rights leader, social activist, preacher
Sermon (1967-12-24), “A Christmas Sermon on Peace,” Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta
(Source)

Broadcast by CBC Radio as the final of King's Massey Lectures, "Conscience for Change." Collected in Conscience for Change, republished after his assassination as The Trumpet of Conscience (1968).

Montesquieu -- Persian Letters [Lettres Persanes], Letter 66, Rica to *** (1721) [tr. MacKenzie (2014), No. 64]

Dave — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:43:55 +0000

The mania afflicting most French people is the desire to be witty, and the mania afflicting those who want to be witty is the desire to write books.
However, this is a very bad idea.

[La fureur de la plupart des François, c’est d’avoir de l’esprit ; et la fureur de ceux qui veulent avoir de l’esprit, c’est de faire des livres.
Cependant il n’y a rien de si mal imaginé.]

Charles-Lewis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu (1689–1755) French political philosopher
Persian Letters [Lettres Persanes], Letter 66, Rica to *** (1721) [tr. MacKenzie (2014), No. 64]
(Source)

(Source (French)). Other translations:

The Predominant Passion or rather Fury of most of the French is, to be thought Wits; and the Predominant passion of those who would be thought Wits, is to write Books.
And yet there is nothing so ill-contrived.
[tr. Ozell (1736 ed.), No. 64]

The passion of most of the French is to be taken for wits, and the passion of thole who would be thought wits, is to write books. And yet there is nothing so badly imagined.
[tr. Floyd (1762)]

The passion of nearly every Frenchman, is to pass for a wit; and the passion of those who wish to be thought wits, is to write books.
There never was such an erroneous idea.
[tr. Davidson (1891)]

The passion of most Frenchmen is to be thought wits ; and the passion of those who wish to be thought wits is to write books.
It is impossible to imagine a more unfortunate mania.
[tr. Betts (1897)]

The passion of most of the French is to be thought witty, and the passion of those who wish to be considered wits is to write books.
A worse misconception cannot be imagined.
[tr. Healy (1964)]

Most Frenchmen are desperately eager to be thought witty and, of those who seek to be witty, most are desperately eager to write a book.
No plan, however, could be less well conceived.
[tr. Mauldon (2008), No. 64]

Johnson, Lyndon -- Speech (1965-03-15), “The American Promise,” Joint Session of Congress [43:30]

Dave — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 00:02:39 +0000

This is the richest and most powerful country which ever occupied the globe. The might of past empires is little compared to ours. But I do not want to be the President who built empires, or sought grandeur, or extended dominion.
I want to be the President who educated young children to the wonders of their world.
I want to be the President who helped to feed the hungry and to prepare them to be taxpayers instead of tax-eaters.
I want to be the President who helped the poor to find their own way and who protected the right of every citizen to vote in every election.
I want to be the President who helped to end hatred among his fellow men and who promoted love among the people of all races and all regions and all parties.
I want to be the President who helped to end war among the brothers of this earth.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973) American politician, educator, US President (1963–69)
Speech (1965-03-15), “The American Promise,” Joint Session of Congress [43:30]
(Source)

A nationally broadcast address, introducing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Dante Alighieri -- The Divine Comedy [Divina Commedia], Book 2 “Purgatorio,” Canto 17, l. 127ff (17.127-129) [Virgil] (1314) [tr. Sisson (1981)]

Dave — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 23:10:55 +0000

Everyone has a confused notion of good,
On which he sets his mind, and which he desires;
And therefore everyone tries to attain it.

[Ciascun confusamente un bene apprende
nel qual si queti l’animo, e disira;
per che di giugner lui ciascun contende.]

Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) Italian poet
The Divine Comedy [Divina Commedia], Book 2 “Purgatorio,” Canto 17, l. 127ff (17.127-129) [Virgil] (1314) [tr. Sisson (1981)]
(Source)

(Source (Italian)). Other translations:

All follow good; but with uncertain aim.
At once it kindles, and it soothes their flame.
[tr. Boyd (1802), st. 32]

All indistinctly apprehend a bliss
On which the soul may rest, the hearts of all
Yearn after it, and to that wished bourn
All therefore strive to tend.
[tr. Cary (1814)]

A good each one confusedly apprehends
The mind to quiet -- satisfy desire;
Hence to attain 't will every one conspire.
[tr. Bannerman (1850)]

Each one confusedly a good conceives
Wherein the mind may rest, and longeth for it;
Therefore to overtake it each one strives.
[tr. Longfellow (1867)]

Each one confusedly apprehends a good wherein his mind may rest, and desires it ; wherefore each one strives to reach Him.
[tr. Butler (1885)]

Some good doth each confusedly apprehend.
In which to rest his spirit's longing fain,
Therefore to reach to it doth each contend.
[tr. Minchin (1885)]

Every one confusedly apprehends a good in which the mind may be at rest, and which it desires; wherefore every one strives to attain it.
[tr. Norton (1892)]

Each one apprehends vaguely a good wherein the mind may find rest, and desires it; wherefore each one strives to attain thereto.
[tr. Okey (1901)]

Everyone confusedly apprehends a good in which the mind may be at rest and desires it, so that each strives to reach it.
[tr. Sinclair (1939)]

Each one confusedly doth apprehend
A longed-for good, wherein the mind may find rest;
And therefore each one strives to attain that end.
[tr. Binyon (1943)]

Everyone vaguely pictures in his mind
A good the heart may rest on, and is driven
By his desire to seek it and to find.
[tr. Sayers (1955)]

All men, though in a vague way, apprehend
a good their souls may rest in, and desire it;
each, therefore, strives to reach his chosen end.
[tr. Ciardi (1961)]

Each one apprehends vaguely a good wherein the mind may find rest, and this it desires' wherefore each one strives to attain thereto.
[tr. Singleton (1973)]

All of you, vaguely, apprehend and crave
a good with which your heart may be at rest;
and so, each of you strives to reach that goal.
[tr. Musa (1981)]

Each apprehends confusedly a Good
in which the mind may rest, and longs for It;
and, thus, all strive to reach that Good.
[tr. Mandelbaum (1982)]

Each confusedly apprehends a Good in which his spirit may be quieted, and desires it, and therefore each strives to reach it.
[tr. Durling (2003)]

Everyone vaguely apprehends a good, where the mind finds rest: and desires it: so everyone labours to attain it.
[tr. Kline (2002)]

We all, confusedly, conceive a good,
desiring that our hearts may rest in that.
And each will strive to make their way to it.
[tr. Kirkpatrick (2007)]

Everyone can vaguely apprehend some good
in which the mind may find its peace.
With desire, each one strives to reach it.
[tr. Hollander/Hollander (2007)]

They muddle about, knowing there is goodness
In which their minds can rest, and they wish to have it,
All of them struggling to find what's so desired.
[tr. Raffel (2010)]

Mankiewicz, Joseph -- Citizen Kane [Mr. Bernstein] (1941) [with Orson Welles]

Dave — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:21:22 +0000

Well, it’s no trick to make a lot of money — if all you want to do is make a lot of money.

Joseph Mankiewicz (1909–1993) American screenwriter, director, producer
Citizen Kane [Mr. Bernstein] (1941) [with Orson Welles]
(Source)

La Bruyere, Jean de -- The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 1 “Of Works of the Mind [Des Ouvrages de l’Esprit],” § 67 (1.67) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)]

Dave — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 20:04:29 +0000

The writer who considers only the taste of his own time is concerned more with his personal fame than with that of his books: we should always aim at perfection, and then we shall receive from posterity that justice which our contemporaries sometimes deny us.

[Celui qui n’a égard en écrivant qu’au goût de son siècle songe plus à sa personne qu’à ses écrits: il faut toujours tendre à la perfection, et alors cette justice qui nous est quelquefois refusée par nos contemporains, la postérité sait nous la rendre.]

Jean de La Bruyère (1645–1696) French essayist, moralist
The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 1 “Of Works of the Mind [Des Ouvrages de l’Esprit],” § 67 (1.67) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)]
(Source)

(Source (French)). Other translations:

He who regards nothing more in his Works than the taste of the Age, has a greater value for his Person than his Writings: He should always aim at Perfection; and tho his Contemporaries refuse him Justice, Posterity will give it him.
[Bullord ed. (1696)]

He who regards nothing more in his Works than the Taste of his own Age, Considers his Person more than his Writings: He should always aim at Perfection, and tho his Contemporaries refuse him Justice, Posterity will give it him.
[Curll ed. (1713)]

He who regards nothing more in his Works than the Taste of the Age, has a greater value for his Person than his Writings: He should always aim at Perfection; and though his Cotempararies refuse him Justice, he will be better used by Posterity.
[Browne ed. (1752)]

He who only writes to suit the taste of the age, considers himself more than his writings. We should always aim at perfection, and then posterity will do us that justice which sometimes our contemporaries refuse.
[tr. Van Laun (1885)]

Faulkner, William -- “The Art of Fiction No. 12,” interview by Jean Stein, The Paris Review (Spring 1956)

Dave — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:48:13 +0000

Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.

William Faulkner (1897–1962) American novelist
“The Art of Fiction No. 12,” interview by Jean Stein, The Paris Review (Spring 1956)
(Source)

On being a good novelist.

Dante Alighieri -- The Divine Comedy [Divina Commedia], Book 1 “Inferno,” Canto 26, l. 118ff (26.118-120) [Ulysses] (1309) [tr. Musa (1971)]

Dave — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 16:52:37 +0000

Consider what you came from: you are Greeks!
You were not born to live like mindless brutes
but to follow paths of excellence and knowledge.

[Considerate la vostra semenza:
fatti non foste a viver come bruti,
ma per seguir virtute e canoscenza.]

Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) Italian poet
The Divine Comedy [Divina Commedia], Book 1 “Inferno,” Canto 26, l. 118ff (26.118-120) [Ulysses] (1309) [tr. Musa (1971)]
(Source)

Speaking to his sailors on their final voyage, urging them to explore the unknown.

(Source (Italian)). Other translations:

On your original reflect, nor think
That you were, made, like Brutes, to only live,
But knowledge and to virtuous acts pursue.
[tr. Rogers (1782)]

Recall your glorious toils, your lofty birth.
Nor like the grov'ling herds, ally'd to earth.
No base despondence quit your lofty claim.
[tr. Boyd (1802), st. 19]

Call to mind from whence we sprang:
Ye were not form’d to live the life of brutes
But virtue to pursue and knowledge high.
[tr. Cary (1814)]

Bethink you of your birth-rank and its dues:
Ye were not thus for brutish life endued.
But Virtue's path and Learning's born to chuse.
[tr. Dayman (1843)]

Consider your origin: ye were not formed to live like brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.
[tr. Carlyle (1849)]

Consider, then, the birth from whence you sprung:
You were not made, like brutes, to live and die:
The path of virtue and of knowledge try.
[tr. Bannerman (1850)]

Consider well the seed from whence you sprung;
You were not made to live as live the beasts,
But to seek virtue and true knowledge grasp.
[tr. Johnston (1867)]

Consider ye the seed from which ye sprang;
Ye were not made to live like unto brutes,
But for pursuit of virtue and of knowledge.
[tr. Longfellow (1867)]

Consider your begetting; ye were not made to live as brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.
[tr. Butler (1885)]

Over your noble birthright ye should muse;
To live like senseless brutes ye were not made,
But knowledge to pursue and virtue use.
[tr. Minchin (1885)]

Consider ye your origin; ye were not made to live as brutes, but for pursuit of virtue and of knowledge.
[tr. Norton (1892)]

Bethink you of your birth: ye were not made to live the life of brutes, but to obey the call of valour and of knowledge.
[tr. Sullivan (1893)]

Consider ye the seed that ye are sprung from:
Ye were not made to live as the brute creatures,
But that ye virtue might pursue and knowledge.
[tr. Griffith (1908)]

Take thought of the seed from which you spring. You were not born to live as brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.
[tr. Sinclair (1939)]

Think on the seed ye spring from! Ye were made
Not to live life of brute beasts of the field
But follow virtue and knowledge unafraid.
[tr. Binyon (1943)]

Think of your breed; for brutish ignorance
Your mettle was not made; you were made men.
To follow after knowledge and excellence.
[tr. Sayers (1949)]

Greeks! You were not born to live like brutes,
but to press on toward manhood and recognition!
[tr. Ciardi (1954), l. 110]

Consider your origin: you were not made to live as brutes, but to pursue virtue and knowledge.
[tr. Singleton (1970)]

Consider well the seed that gave you birth:
you were not made to live your lives as brutes,
but to be followers of worth and knowledge.
[tr. Mandelbaum (1980)]

Consider then the race from which you have sprung:
You were not made to live like animals,
But to pursue virtue and know the world.
[tr. Sisson (1981)]

Consider well your seed:
You were not born to live as a mere brute does,
But for the pursuit of knowledge and the good.
[tr. Pinsky (1994)]

Consider your sowing: you were not made to live like brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.
[tr. Durling (1996)]

Consider your origin: you were not made to live like brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge.
[tr. Kline (2002)]

Hold clear in thought your seed and origin.
You were not made to live as mindless brutes,
but go in search of virtue and true knowledge.
[tr. Kirkpatrick (2006)]

Consider how your souls were sown:
you were not made to live like brutes or beasts,
but to pursue virtue and knowledge.
[tr. Hollander/Hollander (2007)]

Think of your origins, the people you come from:
You were not made to live like wild-toothed beasts,
But for the pursuit of virtue and honest knowledge.
[tr. Raffel (2010)]

Remember now your pedigree.
You were not born to live as brutes. Virtue
And knowledge are your guiding lights.
[tr. James (2013)]

Child, Lydia Maria -- Letter to John Fraser (1868)

Dave — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:10:48 +0000

All who strive to live for something beyond mere selfish aims find their capacities for doing good very inadequate to their aspirations. They do so much less than they want to do, and so much less than they, at the outset, expected to do, that their lives, viewed retrospectively, inevitably look like failure.

Lydia Maria Child (1802–1880) American abolitionist, activist, journalist, suffragist
Letter to John Fraser (1868)
(Source)

Euripides -- Bacchæ [Βάκχαι], l. 902ff (Stasimon 3, Epode) [Chorus/Χορός] (405 BC) [tr. Vellacott (1973)]

Dave — Tue, 23 May 2023 16:53:35 +0000

Blest is the man who cheats the stormy sea
And safely moors beside the sheltering quay;
So, blest is he who triumphs over trial.
One man, by various means, in wealth or strength
Outdoes his neighbour; hope in a thousand hearts
Colours a thousand different dreams; at length
Some find a dear fulfilment, some denial.
But this I say,
That he who best
Enjoys each passing day
Is truly blest.

[εὐδαίμων μὲν ὃς ἐκ θαλάσσας
ἔφυγε χεῖμα, λιμένα δ᾽ ἔκιχεν:
εὐδαίμων δ᾽ ὃς ὕπερθε μόχθων
ἐγένεθ᾽: ἑτέρᾳ δ᾽ ἕτερος ἕτερον
ὄλβῳ καὶ δυνάμει παρῆλθεν.
μυρίαι δ᾽ ἔτι μυρίοις
εἰσὶν ἐλπίδες: αἳ μὲν
τελευτῶσιν ἐν ὄλβῳ
βροτοῖς, αἳ δ᾽ ἀπέβησαν:
τὸ δὲ κατ᾽ ἦμαρ ὅτῳ βίοτος
εὐδαίμων, μακαρίζω.]

Euripides (485?-406? BC) Greek tragic dramatist
Bacchæ [Βάκχαι], l. 902ff (Stasimon 3, Epode) [Chorus/Χορός] (405 BC) [tr. Vellacott (1973)]
(Source)

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

Blest is the man who 'scapes the stormy wave.
And in the harbour finds repose:
He too is blest, 'midst dangers brave,
Who soars above the malice of his foes:
And now these, now those possess
Superior talents or success;
Distinct their aims; but hope each bosom fires.
There are, a rich encrease who find,
The vows of some are scatter'd in the wind:
But in my judgement blest are they
Who taste, tho' only for the day.
The joys their soul desires.
[tr. Wodhull (1809)]

Happy is he who has fled a storm on the sea, and reached harbor. Happy too is he who has overcome his hardships. One surpass another in different ways, in wealth or power. There are innumerable hopes to innumerable men, and some result in wealth to mortals, while others fail. But I call him blessed whose life is happy day today.
[tr. Buckley (1850)]

Who hath 'scaped the turbulent sea,
And reached the haven, happy he!
Happy he whose toils are o'er
In the race of wealth and power!
This one her, and that one there,
Passes by, and everywhere
Still expectant thousands over
Thousands hopes are seen to hover,
Some to mortals end in bliss;
Some have already fled away:
Happiness alone is his
That happy is to-day.
[tr. Milman (1865)]

Happy he, who from the storm,
Has the breaker escaped, and the harbour has reached;
Happy he who after toil
Is the victor, for many the ways in which man
Wins him power, and wins him wealth.
Thousand-fold ever to thousands of men,
Hope follows upon hope,
With some it grows unceasingly,
With some it wastes to nothingness.
But he whose life is ever fresh,
Lives in unbroken happiness.
[tr. Rogers (1872), l. 865ff.]

Happy is he who hath escaped the wave from out the sea, and reached the haven; and happy he who hath triumphed o’er his troubles; though one surpasses another in wealth and power; yet there be myriad hopes for all the myriad minds; some end in happiness for man, and others come to naught; but him, whose life from day to day is blest, I deem a happy man.
[tr. Coleridge (1891)]

Blest who from ravening seas
Hath 'scaped to haven-peace,
Blest who hath triumphed in endeavour's toil and throe.
This man to higher height
Attains, of wealth, of might,
Than that; yet myriad hopes in myriad hearts still glow:
To fair fruition brought
Are some, some come to nought:
Happy is he whose bliss from day to day doth grow.
[tr. Way (1898)]

Happy he, on the weary sea
Who hath fled the tempest and won the haven.
Happy whoso hath risen, free,
Above his striving. For strangely graven
Is the orb of life, that one and another
In gold and power may outpass his brother.
And men in their millions float and flow
And seethe with a million hopes as leaven;
And they win their Will, or they miss their Will,
And the hopes are dead or are pined for still;
But whoe'er can know,
As the long days go,
That To Live is happy, hath found his Heaven!
[tr. Murray (1902)]

-- Blessèd is he who escapes the storm at sea,
who comes home to his harbor.
-- Blessèd is he who emerges from under affliction.
-- In various ways one man outraces another in the race for wealth and power.
-- Ten thousand men possess ten thousand hopes.
-- A few bear fruit in happiness; the others go awry.
-- But he who garners day by day the good of life, he is happiest. Blessèd is he.
[tr. Arrowsmith (1960)]

Happy the man who from the sea
escapes the storm and finds harbor;
happy he who has surmounted
toils; and in different ways one surpasses another
in prosperity and power.
Besides this, for countless men there are countless
hopes -- some of them
reach to the end in prosperity
for mortals, and others depart;
but him whose life day by day
is happy do I count blessed.
[tr. Kirk (1970)]

Happy he from the sea escaping
out of the storm, arriving at anchorage;
happy he fleeing labour's straining;
in many manners may men surpass other men
in prosperity and in power.
Thousand-fold upon thousand-fold
hopes come crowding upon us,
and some finally prosper
for mortals, some are vanish'd:
who day by day has a livelihood of happiness, he is blessed
[tr. Neuburg (1988)]

Happy the man who withstands
life's assaults.
Somehow, in some way, some man surpasses some other
in position and fortune.
For millions of men there are millions of hopes.
For some, these ripen into happiness,
for others into nothing.
Count lucky the man who is happy on this one day.
[tr. Cacoyannis (1982)]

That man is blessed who fled the storm
At sea and reached the bay.
And he is blessed who rose above
His toil. In various ways
One man outstrips in wealth and power
Another: countless men
Have countless hopes: some end in joy,
But others drift way.
The man who day to day has luck
In life -- that man I bless.
[tr. Blessington (1993)]

Happy the man who escapes
the storm at sea and reaches harbor.
Happy, too, is he who overcomes
his toils. And in different ways one man
surpasses another in prosperity and power.
Besides, countless are the hopes
of countless men, Some of those hopes
end in prosperity for mortals, others vanish.
But I count him blessed whose life,
from day to day, is happy.
[tr. Esposito (1998)]

Happy the man who has come away
safe on the beach from a storm at sea,
happy the man who has risen above
trouble and toil. Many are the ways
one man may surpass another
in wealth or power,
and beyond each hope there beckons another
hope without number.
Hope may lead a man to wealth,
hope may pass away;
but I admire a man when he
is happy in an ordinary life.
[tr. Woodruff (1999)]

Happy is he who escapes
A storm at sea and finds safe harbor.
Happy is he who has risen above
Great toils. In different ways,
Some persons outdo others
In their wealth and power.
And hopes are as many as those who hope --
Some will end in rich reward, others in nothing.
But those whose lives are happy
Day by day -- those
I call the blesséd.
[tr. Gibbons/Segal (2000)]

Blessed is he that out of the sea
escapes the storm and wins the harbor;
blessed he who triumphs over
trouble: one man surpasses another
in respect to wealth or power.
Furthermore, in countless hearts
there live countless hopes, some
ending in good fortune,
though some vanish away.
But the man whose life today is happy,
him I count blessed.
[tr. Kovacs (2002)]

Joy of the storm endured,
And the harbour safely reached.
Joy of hardship overcome.
Joy of striving for wealth and power.
Joy of hope. Joy of dreams,
Fulfilled or unfulfilled.
And most blessed they who takes their joy
In the simple detail of the day by day --
[tr. Teevan (2002)]

Happy is the man who has escaped the storms of life’s angry seas and found a harbour; and happy is the man who have endured those storms.
Men are infinite in number and their hopes have no end and some of these hopes bring joy to some and nothing to others.
I say blessed is the man whose life has been happy -- so far.
These are useful pieces of advice. True wisdom.
[tr. Theodoridis (2005)]

Blessed is the one who's fled the
Storm at sea and come to harbour;
And happy is he who rises above
Hardships; for one may sur-
Pass another in wealth or in power,
But these are a lot hopes to a lot of
Different people; and many end in
Happiness while others fail mis’rably
But the one who's happy day-to-day,
Is the one who's truly blessed.
[tr. Valerie (2005)]

Whoever has escaped a storm at sea
is a happy man in harbour,
whoever overcomes great hardship
is likewise another happy man.
Various men outdo each other
in wealth, in power,
in all sorts of ways.
The hopes of countless men
are infinite in number.
Some make men rich;
some come to nothing,
So I consider that man blessed
who lives a happy life
existing day by day.
[tr. Johnston (2008), l. 1106ff]

Lucky is the man who escapes a storm at sea
and finds his way home to safe harbour --
the man delivered from hardship.
We all compete for wealth and power,
and for every thousand hearts a thousand hopes.
Some wither, some bear fruit.
But the one who lives from day to day,
finding good where he can:
he is happy --
he is a lucky man.
[tr. Robertson (2014)]

Fortunate is the one who flees
The swell of the sea and returns to harbor.
Fortunate is the one who survives through troubles.
One is greater than another in different things,
He surpasses in fortune and power --
But in numberless hearts still
Are numberless hopes: some result
In good fortune, but other mortal dreams
Just disappear.
Whoever has a happy life to-day,
I consider fortunate.
[tr. @sentantiq (2018)]

Happy is the one who escapes a sea-storm
and comes home to the harbor.
And happy is the one who stands against their hardships.
Happy are they who endure.
One man may exceed another, in his own way.
In wealth.
In power.
Countless hopes for yet-more-countless people.
Sometimes hope wins out, gives us riches --
And sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes we fail.
But the one who can live in spite of this,
who is happy day to day.
That one is blessed.
[tr. Pauly (2019)]

Blessed is the one who finds a harbour safe from the winter sea. Blessed is the one who travels beyond affliction. Blessed is the one who wins great joy. Numberless more have their dreams. Some hopes are fulfilled, some vanish. Whoever lives happily from day to day I bless.
[tr. Behr/Foster (2019)]

Fortunate [eudaimōn] is he who has fled a storm on the sea and reached harbor. Eudaimōn too is he who has overcome his toils. Different people surpass others in various ways, be it in wealth [olbos] or in power. Mortals have innumerable hopes, and some come to telos in prosperity [olbos], while others fail. I deem him blessed whose life is eudaimōn day by day.
[tr. Buckley/Sens/Nagy (2020)]

West, Cornel -- “Democracy Matters,” speech, San Francisco (1 Oct 2004)

Dave — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 17:51:38 +0000

I remind young people everywhere I go, one of the worst things the older generation did was to tell them for twenty-five years “Be successful, be successful, be successful” as opposed to “Be great, be great, be great”. There’s a qualitative difference.

Cornel West (b. 1953) American philosopher, political activist, social critic
“Democracy Matters,” speech, San Francisco (1 Oct 2004)

Jefferson, Thomas -- Letter (1817-06-14) to François de Marbois

Dave — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:23:56 +0000

My theory has always been that if we are to dream, the flatteries of hope are as cheap, and pleasanter than the gloom of despair.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801–09)
Letter (1817-06-14) to François de Marbois
(Source)

Morrison, Grant -- “All Star Memories: Grant Morrison on All Star Superman, Part 1,” Interview with Zack Smith, Newsarama.com (21 Oct 2008)

Dave — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 00:04:32 +0000

I felt I’d really grasped the concept when I saw him as Everyman, or rather as the dreamself of Everyman. That “S” is the radiant emblem of divinity we reveal when we rip off our stuffy shirts, our social masks, our neuroses, our constructed selves, and become who we truly are.

Grant Morrison (b. 1960) Scottish comic book writer and playwright
“All Star Memories: Grant Morrison on All Star Superman, Part 1,” Interview with Zack Smith, Newsarama.com (21 Oct 2008)
(Source)

Shakespeare, William -- All’s Well That Ends Well, Act 4, sc. 4, l. 39ff (4.4.39-40) (1602?)

Dave — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:36:51 +0000

HELENA: All’s well that ends well. Still the fine’s the crown.
Whate’er the course, the end is the renown.

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) English dramatist and poet
All’s Well That Ends Well, Act 4, sc. 4, l. 39ff (4.4.39-40) (1602?)
(Source)

Russell, Dora -- The Religion of the Machine Age (1983)

Dave — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:21:16 +0000

Humanity will ever seek but never attain perfection. Let us at least survive and go on trying.

Dora, Countess Russell (1894–1986) British author, feminist, social activist [Dora Russell, née Black]
The Religion of the Machine Age (1983)

Arbuckle, Fatty -- “Fatty Off Guard,” interview by Elizabeth Sears (1916)

Dave — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 18:49:10 +0000

I don’t believe there is any finer mission on earth than just to make people laugh.

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle (1887–1933) American silent film actor, comedian, director, screenwriter
“Fatty Off Guard,” interview by Elizabeth Sears (1916)
(Source)

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 5 (1963)

Dave — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 13:59:25 +0000

What you have become is the price you paid to get what you used to want.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 5 (1963)
(Source)

Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth -- “Table-Talk”

Dave — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 14:18:47 +0000

Every man is in some sort a failure to himself. No one ever reaches the heights to which he aspires.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) American poet
“Table-Talk”
(Source)

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Second Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 4 (1966)

Dave — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:42:36 +0000

Don’t be yourself — be someone a little nicer.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Second Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 4 (1966)
(Source)

Camus, Albert -- The Myth of Sisyphus” (1942)

Dave — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:13:03 +0000

I’m filled with a desire for clarity and meaning within a world and condition that offers neither.

Albert Camus (1913–1960) Algerian-French novelist, essayist, playwright
The Myth of Sisyphus” (1942)

Pratchett, Terry -- Discworld Mapps No. 4, Death’s Domain (1999) [with Paul Kidby]

Dave — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:36:22 +0000

There are better things in the world than alcohol, Albert.
“Oh, yes, sir. But alcohol sort of compensates for not getting them.”

Terry Pratchett (1948–2015) English author
Discworld Mapps No. 4, Death’s Domain (1999) [with Paul Kidby]
(Source)

Death speaking with his manservant, Albert.

Malory, Thomas -- Le Morte d’Arthur, Book 16, ch. 2 (1485)

Dave — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 19:47:27 +0000

Go we seek that we shall not find.

Thomas Malory (c. 1415–1471) English writer
Le Morte d’Arthur, Book 16, ch. 2 (1485)
(Source)

Ector to Lancelot (or vice versa) in Ector's dream. Often paraphrased/modernized to "We shall now seek that which we shall not find."

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1747 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 14:27:47 +0000

Strive to be the greatest Man in your Country, and you may be disappointed; Strive to be the best, and you may succeed: He may well win the race that runs by himself.

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1747 ed.)
(Source)

Ciardi, John -- In Vince Clemente, “‘A Man Is What He Does With His Attention’: A Conversation with John Ciardi,” Poesis, Vol. 7 #2 (1986)

Dave — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:43:28 +0000

To be a writer is to accept failure as a profession — which of us is Dante or Shakespeare? — and could they return, wouldn’t they fall at once to revising, knowing they could make the work better? In our own dwarfed way, we are trying for something like perfection, knowing it is unachievable (except of course that trying and failing is a better way of living than not trying).

John Ciardi (1916–1986) American poet, writer, critic
In Vince Clemente, “‘A Man Is What He Does With His Attention’: A Conversation with John Ciardi,” Poesis, Vol. 7 #2 (1986)
(Source)

Hart, Louise -- The Winning Family, ch. 1, epigraph (1987)

Dave — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 22:59:55 +0000

Our children give us the opportunity to become the parents we always wished we’d had.

Louise Hart (contemp.) American educator, psychologist, author, speaker
The Winning Family, ch. 1, epigraph (1987)

Parker, Dorothy -- “Inventory,” Life (11 Nov 1926)

Dave — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 18:17:55 +0000

Four be the things I am wiser to know:
Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.

Four be the things I’d been better without:
Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.

Three be the things I shall never attain:
Envy, content, and sufficient champagne.

Three be the things I shall have till I die:
Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.

Dorothy Parker (1893–1967) American writer, poet, wit
“Inventory,” Life (11 Nov 1926)
(Source)

Reprinted in Enough Rope (1926).

Oliver, Mary -- Comments at Wellesley College (20 Oct 2010)

Dave — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 18:13:38 +0000

The universe could have been created ugly, and would have functioned. And yet there is beauty everywhere in creation. Beauty gives us an ache, to be worthy of that creation.

Mary Oliver (1935–2019) American poet
Comments at Wellesley College (20 Oct 2010)
(Source)

The last phrase is frequently paraphrased, "We need beauty because it makes us ache to be worthy of it."

Jemison, Mae -- Interview, Chicago Sun-Times (May 1994)

Dave — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 21:55:15 +0000

Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations. There were people who said, “You can’t go into space. You can’t go to the moon.” If you adopt their attitudes, then the possibility won’t exist because you’ll have already shut it out. Yes, you can hear other people’s wisdom, but you’ve got to re-evaluate the world for yourself.

Mae Jemison (b. 1956) American engineer, physician, astronaut
Interview, Chicago Sun-Times (May 1994)
(Source)

Coelho, Paulo -- The Alchemist, ch. 1 (1988)

Dave — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 21:36:27 +0000

It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.

Paulo Coelho (b. 1947) Brazilian spiritual writer
The Alchemist, ch. 1 (1988)
(Source)

Ali, Muhammad -- (Attributed)

Dave — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 21:32:33 +0000

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

Muhammad Ali (1942–2016) American boxer, activist [b. Cassius Clay]
(Attributed)

Stevenson, Robert Louis -- “The Adventure of the Hansom Cabs” (1878)

Dave — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 04:26:42 +0000

Is there anything in life so disenchanting as attainment?

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) Scottish essayist, novelist, poet
“The Adventure of the Hansom Cabs” (1878)
(Source)

Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth -- “Table-Talk”

Dave — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 23:40:59 +0000

Every man is in some sort a failure to himself. No one ever reaches the heights to which he aspires.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) American poet
“Table-Talk”
(Source)

Frankl, Viktor -- Man’s Search for Meaning, Part 2 (1946)

Dave — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 02:25:59 +0000

What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for a worthwhile goal, a freely chosen task.

Viktor Frankl (1905–1997) German-American psychologist, writer
Man’s Search for Meaning, Part 2 (1946)
(Source)

Oliver, Mary -- “Starlings in Winter”

Dave — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 02:24:17 +0000

I want
to think again of dangerous and noble things.
I want to be light and frolicsome.
I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,
as though I had wings.

Mary Oliver (1935–2019) American poet
“Starlings in Winter”
(Source)

Machen, Arthur -- The Hill of Dreams, ch. 5 (1907)

Dave — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 06:35:42 +0000

It was better, he thought, to fail in attempting exquisite things than to succeed in the department of the utterly contemptible.

Arthur Machen (1863–1947) Welsh author and mystic
The Hill of Dreams, ch. 5 (1907)
(Source)

Angelou, Maya -- “The Art of Fiction,” Paris Review, #116, Interview with George Plimpton (1990)

Dave — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 04:21:46 +0000

I’m working at trying to be a good Christian, and that’s serious business. It’s like trying to be a good Jew, a good Muslim, a good Buddhist, a good Shintoist, a good Zoroastrian, a good friend, a good lover, a good mother, a good buddy — it’s serious business. It’s not something where you think, Oh, I’ve got it done. I did it all day, hotdiggety. The truth is, all day long you try to do it, try to be it, and then in the evening if you’re honest and have a little courage you look at yourself and say, Hmm. I only blew it eighty-six times. Not bad.

Maya Angelou (1928–2014) American poet, memoirist, activist [b. Marguerite Ann Johnson]
“The Art of Fiction,” Paris Review, #116, Interview with George Plimpton (1990)
(Source)

De Botton, Alain -- The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, ch. 4 (2009)

Dave — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:49:50 +0000

Most of us stand poised at the edge of brilliance, haunted by the knowledge of our proximity, yet still demonstrably on the wrong side of the line, our dealings with reality undermined by a range of minor yet critical psychological flaws (a little too much optimism, an unprocessed rebelliousness, a fatal impatience or sentimentality). We are like an exquisite high-speed aircraft which for lack of a tiny part is left stranded beside the runway, rendered slower than a tractor or bicycle.

Alain de Botton (b. 1969) Swiss-British author
The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, ch. 4 (2009)
(Source)

De Botton, Alain -- The Consolations of Philosophy, ch. 4 “Consolation for Inadequacy” (2000)

Dave — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 22:57:01 +0000

A virtuous, ordinary life, striving for wisdom but never far from folly, is achievement enough.

Alain de Botton (b. 1969) Swiss-British author
The Consolations of Philosophy, ch. 4 “Consolation for Inadequacy” (2000)
(Source)

Summarizing Montaigne.

Obama, Barack -- Commencement Address, Knox College, Galesburg, IL (4 Jun 2005)

Dave — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 23:16:24 +0000

Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition.

Barack Obama (b. 1961) American politician, US President (2009–2017)
Commencement Address, Knox College, Galesburg, IL (4 Jun 2005)
(Source)

Lyly, John -- Midas: A Comedy, Act 2, sc. 1 [Sophronia] (1592)

Dave — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:32:01 +0000

Ambition hath one heel nailed in hell, though she stretch her finger to touch the heavens.

John Lyly (c. 1553–1606) was an English writer [also Lilly or Lylie]
Midas: A Comedy, Act 2, sc. 1 [Sophronia] (1592)
(Source)

Sometimes misquoted as "nailed in well." Sometimes misattributed to Lao-tzu.

Hurston, Zora Neale -- Dust Tracks on a Road, ch. 2 “My Folks” (1942)

Dave — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:31:48 +0000

Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to “jump at de sun.” We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground.

Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960) American writer, folklorist, anthropologist
Dust Tracks on a Road, ch. 2 “My Folks” (1942)
(Source)

Wordsworth, William -- “Brave Schill! By Death Delivered, Take Thy Flight” (1809; pub. 1815)

Dave — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:40:26 +0000

… a noble aim,
Faithfully kept, is as a noble deed,
In whose pure sight all virtue doth succeed.

William Wordsworth (1770–1850) English poet
“Brave Schill! By Death Delivered, Take Thy Flight” (1809; pub. 1815)
(Source)

Sometimes misquoted "is a noble deed".

Vauvenargues, Luc de -- Reflections and Maxims [Réflexions et maximes], #562 [tr. Stevens] (1746)

Dave — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 14:50:08 +0000

The greatest evil which fortune can inflict on men is to endow them with small talents and great ambition.

Luc de Clapiers, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715–1747) French moralist, essayist, soldier
Reflections and Maxims [Réflexions et maximes], #562 [tr. Stevens] (1746)
(Source)

Beecher, Henry Ward -- Life Thoughts (1858)

Dave — Wed, 17 May 2017 15:35:13 +0000

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man by one which is lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other, ambition. Ambition is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.

Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) American clergyman and orator
Life Thoughts (1858)
(Source)

Sometimes misattributed to Marcus Aurelius.

Talmud -- Mishnah, Pirkei Avot [Ethics of the Fathers; פִּרְקֵי אָבוֹת] 2:16

Dave — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 06:16:36 +0000

It is not yours to finish the task, but neither are you free to set it aside.

לֹא עָלֶיךָ הַמְּלָאכָה לִגְמֹר, וְלֹא אַתָּה בֶן חוֹרִין לִבָּטֵל מִמֶּנָּה.

The Talmud (AD 200–500) Collection of Jewish rabbinical writings
Mishnah, Pirkei Avot [Ethics of the Fathers; פִּרְקֵי אָבוֹת] 2:16
(Source)

In some editions cited as 2:15 or 2:21. Many of the references below ("E.g.") have no identified translator, nor is it clear whether the translations are from the surrounding writers or borrowed from elsewhere.

Quoting Rabbi Tarfon (c. AD 130). While literally speaking of studying the Torah, the passage is usually understood to imply solving the problems of the world.

(Source (Hebrew)). Other translations:

It is not for thee to finish the work, nor art thou free to desist therefrom.
[tr. Taylor (1897)]

It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it.
[tr. Charles (1913); 2:21]

The work is not upon thee to finish nor art thou free to desist from it.
[tr. Herford (1929); 2:21]

It is not thy part to finish the task, yet thou art not free to desist from it.
[tr. Danby (1933)]

It is not up to you to complete the work; but neither are you free to desist from it.
[tr. Bokser (1989)]

It is not your responsibility to finish the work [of perfecting the world], but you are not free to desist from it either.
[tr. Telushkin (1991)?]

It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.
[tr. Kulp (2014?)]

The work is not yours to complete. [The Holy One Blessed be He did not hire you to complete all of it, in which instance you would lose your wage if you did not complete it.] And [lest you say: (In that case,) I will not learn and I will not take a wage] — you are not free to abstain from it. [Perforce the yoke is upon you to labor.]
[tr. Silverstein (2013?)]

It is not [incumbent] upon thee to finish the work, but neither art thou a free man so as to [be entitled to] refrain therefrom.
[Wikisource]

It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.
[tr. Open Mishnah]

It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.
[E.g.]

It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task, but neither are you free to absolve yourself from it.
[E.g.]

It is not up to you to finish the task, but you are not free to avoid it.
[E.g.]

You need not finish the work , but you are not free to stop working.
[E.g.]

Although I am not free to avoid doing the work, it is not always necessary that I finish the task.
[E.g.]

You are not obliged to complete the task, nor are you free to abandon it.
[E.g.]

You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
[E.g.]

It is not your duty to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.
[E.g.]

It is not your obligation to finish the task, nor are you free to desist from it.
[E.g.]

It is not yours to finish the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.
[E.g.]

Mandela, Nelson -- Long Walk to Freedom (1995)

Dave — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 04:05:44 +0000

It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.

Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) South African revolutionary, politician, statesman
Long Walk to Freedom (1995)

Lombardi, Vince -- (Attributed)

Dave — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 23:54:59 +0000

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.

Vince Lombardi (1913–1970) American football coach
(Attributed)

Brooks, Phillips -- Daily Thoughts from Phillips Brooks (1893)

Dave — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 23:53:16 +0000

Dreadful will be the day when the world becomes contented, when one great universal satisfaction spreads itself over the world. Sad will be the day for every man when he becomes absolutely contented with the life that he is living, with the thoughts that he is thinking, with the deeds that he is doing, when there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger which he knows that he was meant and made to do because he is a child of God.

Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) American clergyman, hymnist
Daily Thoughts from Phillips Brooks (1893)

Tyson, Neil deGrasse -- Real Time with Bill Maher, Ep. 223 (5 Aug 2011)

Dave — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:44:48 +0000

Do you remember the ’60s and ’70s? You didn’t have to go more than a week before there was an article in Life magazine — “The Home of Tomorrow,” “The City of Tomorrow,” “Transportation of Tomorrow.” All that ended. In the 1970s, after we stopped going to the Moon, it all ended. We stopped dreaming. And so I worry that decisions that Congress makes doesn’t factor in the consequences of those decisions on tomorrow. Tomorrow’s gone. They’re playing for the quarterly report, they’re playing for the next election cycle, and that is mortgaging the actual future of this nation, and the rest of the world is going to pass us by.

Neil deGrasse Tyson (b. 1958) American astrophysicist, author, orator
Real Time with Bill Maher, Ep. 223 (5 Aug 2011)
(Source)

Harburg, E. Y. -- “If I Only Had a Brain,” The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Dave — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 15:34:24 +0000

I could wile away the hours
Conferrin’ with the flowers,
Consultin’ with the rain;
And my head I’d be scratchin’
While my thoughts were busy hatchin’,
If I only had a brain.

E. Y. "Yip" Harburg (1896–1981) American lyricist [Edgar Yipsel Harburg, b. Isidore Hochberg]
“If I Only Had a Brain,” The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Aaronovitch, Ben -- Broken Homes (2013)

Dave — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 16:13:31 +0000

It’s a sad fact of modern life that sooner or later you will end up on YouTube doing something stupid. The trick, according to my dad, is to make a fool of yourself to the best of your ability.

Ben Aaronovitch (b. 1964) British author
Broken Homes (2013)

Heinlein, Robert A. -- Time Enough for Love [Lazarus Long] (1973)

Dave — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 14:14:58 +0000

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.

Robert A. Heinlein (1907–1988) American writer
Time Enough for Love [Lazarus Long] (1973)

Gibran, Kahlil -- (Attributed)

Dave — Thu, 14 May 2015 13:04:09 +0000

To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.

Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) Lebanese-American poet, writer, painter [Gibran Khalil Gibran]
(Attributed)
(Source)

Machiavelli, Niccolo -- The Discourses on Livy, Book 1, ch. 37 (1517) [tr. Gilbert (1958)]

Dave — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:33:19 +0000

Whenever men cease fighting through necessity, they go to fighting through ambition, which is so powerful in human breasts that, whatever high rank men climb to, never does ambition abandon them.

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) Italian politician, philosopher, political scientist
The Discourses on Livy, Book 1, ch. 37 (1517) [tr. Gilbert (1958)]
(Source)

Other translations:

"[Ambition] is so powerful a passion in the human breast, that however high we reach we are never satisfied."
"For when no longer urged to war on one another by necessity, they are urged by ambition, which has such dominion in their hearts that it never leaves them to whatsoever heights they climb." [tr. Thomson (1883)]
"Whenever the necessity for fighting is taken away from them, they fight for the same of ambition, which is so powerful a passion in the human breast that, no matter the rank to which a man may rise, he never abandons it." [tr. Bondanella (1997)]

Keller, Helen -- The Story of My Life, pt. 1, ch. 20 (1903)

Dave — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:14:05 +0000

Knowledge is happiness, because to have knowledge — broad, deep knowledge — is to know true ends from false, and lofty things from low. To know the thoughts and deeds that have marked man’s progress is to feel the great heart-throbs of humanity through the centuries; and if one does not feel in these pulsations a heavenward striving, one must indeed be deaf to the harmonies of life.

Helen Keller (1880–1968) American author and lecturer
The Story of My Life, pt. 1, ch. 20 (1903)

France, Anatole -- Speech, Académie Française (24 Dec 1896)

Dave — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:06:04 +0000

To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.

Anatole France (1844–1924) French poet, journalist, novelist, Nobel Laureate [pseud. of Jaques-Anatole-François Thibault]
Speech, Académie Française (24 Dec 1896)

Markham, Edwin -- “The Crowning Hour” (2), The Shoes of Happiness, and Other Poems (1913)

Dave — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:07:51 +0000

If this is a dream, then perhaps our dreaming
Can touch life’s height to a finer fire:
Who knows but the heavens and all their seeming
Were made by the heart’s desire?

Edwin Markham (1852–1940) American poet
“The Crowning Hour” (2), The Shoes of Happiness, and Other Poems (1913)

Lowell, James Russell -- “Abraham Lincoln, 1864-1865” (1869)

Dave — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:49:02 +0000

Doubtless he had an ideal, but it was the ideal of a practical statesman, — to aim at the best, and to take the next best, if he is lucky enough to get even that.

James Russell Lowell (1819–1891) American diplomat, essayist, poet
“Abraham Lincoln, 1864-1865” (1869)
(Source)

Printed in The North American Review, #222 (Jan 1869) under the title "Before and After." Sometimes given as "The idea of a practical statesman is to aim ...."

Johnson, Lyndon -- Speech (1964-05-22), Graduation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Dave — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 12:49:00 +0000

But, most of all, the Great Society is not a safe harbor, a resting place, a final objective, a finished work. It is a challenge constantly renewed, beckoning us toward a destiny where the meaning of our lives matches the marvelous products of our labor.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973) American politician, educator, US President (1963–69)
Speech (1964-05-22), Graduation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
(Source)

Johnson, Lyndon -- Speech (1964-05-22), Graduation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Dave — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:30:48 +0000

Your imagination, your initiative, and your indignation will determine whether we build a society where progress is the servant of our needs, or a society where old values and new visions are buried under unbridled growth. For in your time we have the opportunity to move not only toward the rich society and the powerful society, but upward to the Great Society.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973) American politician, educator, US President (1963–69)
Speech (1964-05-22), Graduation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
(Source)

Johnson had been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law. This speech was the first formal presentation of his new domestic agenda, the Great Society.

Johnson, Lyndon -- Quoted in George Christian, The President Steps Down, ch. 1, sec. 3 (1970).

Dave — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:08:38 +0000

Every President wants to do right.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973) American politician, educator, US President (1963–69)
Quoted in George Christian, The President Steps Down, ch. 1, sec. 3 (1970).
(Source)

Christian, who was Johnson's press secretary, says this was a frequent comment by Johnson, who would then go on to defend previous Administrations, Democratic and Republican, from the worst accusations of their then-detractors.

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 939 (1725)

Dave — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:50:12 +0000

Make it thy chief Design and thy great Business, not to be Rich and Great: but so to live in this World that thou mayest reasonably believe thou has God for thy Friend.

Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 939 (1725)
(Source)

Kennedy, John F. -- Speech, National Industrial Conference Board (13 Feb 1961)

Dave — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:46:44 +0000

For I can assure you that we love our country, not for what it was, though it has always been great — not for what it is, though of this we are deeply proud — but for what it someday can, and, through the efforts of us all, someday will be.

John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) American politician, author, journalist, US President (1961–63)
Speech, National Industrial Conference Board (13 Feb 1961)
(Source)

Tolkien, J.R.R. -- The Lord of the Rings, Vol. 3: The Return of the King, Book 5, ch. 2 “The Passing of the Grey Company” [Aragorn and Eowyn] (1955)

Dave — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:39:34 +0000

“What do you fear, lady?” he asked.
“A cage,” she said. “To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire.”

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892–1973) English writer, fabulist, philologist, academic [John Ronald Reuel Tolkien]
The Lord of the Rings, Vol. 3: The Return of the King, Book 5, ch. 2 “The Passing of the Grey Company” [Aragorn and Eowyn] (1955)
(Source)

Einstein, Albert -- Memoirs of William Miller, quoted in Life (2 May 1955)

Dave — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:02:27 +0000

Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-American physicist
Memoirs of William Miller, quoted in Life (2 May 1955)
(Source)

Anouilh, Jean -- Becket or The Honor of God [Becket ou l’honneur de Dieu], Act 3 (1959)

Dave — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:28:21 +0000

BECKET: Saintliness is also a temptation.

Jean Anouilh (1910–1987) French dramatist
Becket or The Honor of God [Becket ou l’honneur de Dieu], Act 3 (1959)

Johnson, Samuel -- Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, “Pope” (1781)

Dave — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:38:35 +0000

Those indeed who attain any excellence, commonly spend life in one pursuit; for excellence is not often gained upon easier terms.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, “Pope” (1781)
(Source)

Also known as Lives of English Poets and Lives of the Poets.

Twain, Mark -- Following the Equator, ch. 21, epigraph (1897)

Dave — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:41:09 +0000

Man will do many things to get himself loved, he will do all things to get himself envied.

Mark Twain (1835–1910) American writer [pseud. of Samuel Clemens]
Following the Equator, ch. 21, epigraph (1897)
(Source)

Stevenson, Adlai -- Speech (1952-10-24), “The United Nations: Our Hope and Commitment,” United Nations Day Radio Broadcast, Springfield, Illinois

Dave — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:47:35 +0000

I profoundly believe that there is on this horizon, as yet only dimly perceived, a new dawn of conscience. In that purer light, people will come to see themselves in each other, which is to say they will make themselves known to one another by their similarities rather than by their differences. Man’s knowledge of things will begin to be matched by man’s knowledge of self. The significance of a smaller world will be measured not in terms of military advantage, but in terms of advantage for the human community. It will be the triumph of the heartbeat over the drumbeat.

Adlai Stevenson II (1900–1965) American politician, diplomat, statesman
Speech (1952-10-24), “The United Nations: Our Hope and Commitment,” United Nations Day Radio Broadcast, Springfield, Illinois
(Source)

Stevenson, Robert Louis -- Essay (1881), “Virginibus Puerisque, Part 2”

Dave — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:03:12 +0000

Lincoln, Abraham -- Remark (1850-09?) to William H. Herndon

Dave — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:41:38 +0000

How hard, oh, how hard it is to die and leave one’s country no better than if one had never lived for it.

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861–65)
Remark (1850-09?) to William H. Herndon
(Source)

After the Compromise of 1850. Recounted in a letter twenty years later (1870-03-06) from Herndon (Lincoln's law partner) to Ward H. Lamon (Lincoln's friend, US Marshal, and self-appointed bodyguard).

Alcott, Louisa May -- Little Women, ch. 9 [Mrs. March] (1869)

Dave — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:36:15 +0000

Money is a needful and precious thing, — and, when well used, a noble thing, — but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I’d rather see you poor men’s wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.

Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) American writer
Little Women, ch. 9 [Mrs. March] (1869)
(Source)

Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth -- “Elegiac Verse,” In the Harbor (1882)

Dave — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:45:11 +0000

If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) American poet
“Elegiac Verse,” In the Harbor (1882)

See Emerson.

Lincoln, Abraham -- Essay (1832-03-09), “Communication to the People of Sangamo County,” Sangamo Journal (1832-03-15)

Dave — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:34:21 +0000

Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem.

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861–65)
Essay (1832-03-09), “Communication to the People of Sangamo County,” Sangamo Journal (1832-03-15)
(Source)

Newspaper copy of a handbill distributed as part of Lincoln's candidacy for the Illinois State Legislature.

Stevenson, Robert Louis -- Essay (1878-04), “Æs Triplex,” Cornhill Magazine, Vol. 37

Dave — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:47:45 +0000

All who have meant good work with their whole hearts, have done good work, although they may die before they have the time to sign it. Every heart that has beat strong and cheerfully has left a hopeful impulse behind it in the world, and bettered the tradition of mankind. And even if death catch people, like an open pitfall, and in mid-career, laying out vast projects, and planning monstrous foundations, flushed with hope, and their mouths full of boastful language, they should be at once tripped up and silenced: is there not something brave and spirited in such a termination? And does not life go down with a better grace, foaming in full body over a precipice, than miserably straggling to an end in sandy deltas?

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) Scottish essayist, novelist, poet
Essay (1878-04), “Æs Triplex,” Cornhill Magazine, Vol. 37
(Source)

Collected in Virginibus Puerisque and Other Papers (1881).

Shakespeare, William -- Coriolanus, Act 3, sc. 2, l. 23ff (3.2.23-24) (c. 1607)

Dave — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 14:32:18 +0000

VOLUMNIA: You might have been enough the man you are
With striving less to be so.

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) English dramatist and poet
Coriolanus, Act 3, sc. 2, l. 23ff (3.2.23-24) (c. 1607)
(Source)

Propertius -- Elegies, Book 2, Elegy 10, l. 5ff (2.10.5-6) [tr. Holcombe (2009)]

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

And should I fail, my courage brings its commendation:
greatness aimed at is enough.

[Quod si deficiant vires, audacia certe
Laus erit: in magnis et voluisse sat est.]

Propertius (50–16 BC) Roman elegiac poet [Sextus Propertius]
Elegies, Book 2, Elegy 10, l. 5ff (2.10.5-6) [tr. Holcombe (2009)]
(Source)

Talking specifically about writing epics about mighty themes and accomplishments.

Because of the corruption of manuscripts of Propertius and speculating from internal references, some 19th Century scholars (e.g., Lachmann) argued for a different division of the elegies into books, thus the translations here wich instead label this as Book 3, Elegy 1.

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

And if my powers of song should fail -- to dare were surely fame:
Enough that I have had the will; no higher praise I claim.
[tr. Cranstoun (1875), 3.1]

Courage in weighty works must power supply,
And praise be mine that I've the will to try.
[tr. Moore (1870), 3.1]

But if my powers fail me, at all events my courage will be meritorious: in great attempts even to have had the will is enough.
[tr. Gantillon (1884), 3.1]

And if my strength fail, at least my boldness will be a title of honour; in great enterprises, the very "I would" is enough.
[tr. Phillimore (1906)]

But should strength fail me, yet my daring shall win me fame: in mighty enterprises enough even to have willed success.
[tr. Butler (Loeb) (1912)]

If I have not the faculty, "The bare attempt would be praiseworthy."
"In things of similar magnitude
the mere will to act is sufficient."
[tr. Pound (1919), 5.1]

What though I fail? That I have dared aspire
should be enough. I shall have tried. What more?
[tr. Carrier (1963)]

But if my strength should fail, why then my temerity
Is sure of praise, for in matters of moment
The intention suffices.
[tr. Musker (1972)]

And should strength fail me, my daring at least will win me praise: in mighty projects even to have wished is enough.
[tr. Goold (Loeb) (1990)]

If strength be lacking, surely ambition will be praised;
The intention in great matters is enough.
[tr. Lee (1992)]

But if I lack the power, then surely my courage will be praised: it’s enough simply to have willed great things.
[tr. Kline (2001)]

What though strength fails? Boldness is certain to win praise. In mighty enterprises, it is enough to have had the determination.
[Bartlett]

Watterson, Bill -- Calvin and Hobbes (1995-01-25)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

CALVIN: I wish I could just take a pill to be perfect and I wish I could just push a button and have anything I want.

HOBBES: The American Dream lives on.

CALVIN: Why should I have to work for everything?! It’s like saying I don’t deserve it!

Bill Watterson (b. 1958) American cartoonist
Calvin and Hobbes (1995-01-25)
(Source)

Shaw, George Bernard -- Back to Methuselah: A Metabiological Pentateuch, Part 1 “In the Beginning,” Act 1, sec. 1 (1921)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

THE SERPENT: When you and Adam talk, I hear you say “Why?” Always “Why?” You see things; and you say, “Why?” But I dream things that never were; and I say, “Why not?”

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) Irish playwright and critic
Back to Methuselah: A Metabiological Pentateuch, Part 1 “In the Beginning,” Act 1, sec. 1 (1921)
(Source)

The Serpent speaking to Eve.

US President John Kennedy quoted this addressing the Irish Parliament, Dublin (1963-06-28). US Senator Robert Kennedy modified it for his campaign, as quoted by his brother, Senator Edward Kennedy in his eulogy for Robert (1968-06-08): "Some men see things as they are and say, why; I dream things that never were and say, why not?”

Butler, Samuel -- The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

There are two great rules in life, the one general and the other particular. The first is that every one can in the end get what he wants if he only tries. This is the general rule. The particular rule is that every individual is more or less of an exception to the general rule.

Samuel Butler (1835–1902) English novelist, satirist, scholar
The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912)
(Source)

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- “Nature,” Essays: Second Series (1844)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 19:00:00 +0000

We aim above the mark to hit the mark.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
“Nature,” Essays: Second Series (1844)
(Source)

Butler, Samuel -- The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 19:00:00 +0000

If we attend continually and promptly to the little that we can do, we shall ere long be surprised to find how little remains that we cannot do.

Samuel Butler (1835–1902) English novelist, satirist, scholar
The Note-Books of Samuel Butler (1912)

Marcus Aurelius -- Meditations [To Himself; Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν], Book 7, ch. 3 (7.3) (AD 161-180) [tr. Staniforth (1964)]

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

The empty pageant; a stage play; flocks of sheep, herds of cattle; a tussle of spearmen; a bone flung among a pack of curs; a crumb tossed into a pond of fish; ants, loaded and laboring; mice, scared and capering; puppets, jerking on their strings — that is life.
In the midst of it all you must take your stand, good-temperedly and without disdain, yet always aware that a man’s worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions.

[Πομπῆς κενοσπουδία, ἐπὶ σκηνῆς δράματα, ποίμνια, ἀγέλαι, διαδορατισμοί, κυνιδίοις ὀστάριον ἐρριμμένον, ψωμίον εἰς τὰς τῶν ἰχθύων δεξαμενάς, μυρμήκων ταλαιπωρίαι καὶ ἀχθοφορίαι, μυιδίων ἐπτοημένων διαδρομαί, σιγιλλάρια νευροσπαστούμενα.
χρὴ οὖν ἐν τούτοις εὐμενῶς μὲν καὶ μὴ καταφρυαττόμενον ἑστάναι, παρακολουθεῖν μέντοι, ὅτι τοσούτου ἄξιος ἕκαστός ἐστιν, ὅσου ἄξιά ἐστι ταῦτα περὶ ἃ ἐσπούδακεν.]

Marcus Aurelius (AD 121–180) Roman emperor (161–180), Stoic philosopher
Meditations [To Himself; Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν], Book 7, ch. 3 (7.3) (AD 161-180) [tr. Staniforth (1964)]
(Source)

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

Public shows and solemnities with much pomp and vanity, stage plays, flocks and herds; conflicts and contentions: a bone thrown to a company of hungry curs; a bait for greedy fishes; the painfulness, and continual burden-bearing of wretched ants, the running to and fro of terrified mice: little puppets drawn up and down with wires and nerves: these be the objects of the world.
Among all these thou must stand steadfast, meekly affected, and free from all manner of indignation; with this right ratiocination and apprehension; that as the worth is of those things which a man doth affect, so is in very deed every man's worth more or less.
[tr. Casaubon (1634)]

Gazing after Triumphs, and Cavalcades; the Diversions of the Stage-Farms well stock'd with Flocks and Herds; contests for Victory in the Field; These are the little Pleasures, and concerns of Mortals. Would you have a farther Illustration, and see an Image of them elsewhere? Fancy then that you saw two or three Whelps quarrelling about a Bone; Fishes scrambling for a Bait, Pismires in a peck of troubles about the Carriage of a Grain of Wheat; Mice frighted out of their Wits, and scouring cross the Room; Poppets danced upon a Wire, &c.
And after all, tho' Humane Life is but ordinary, and trifling, a Wise Man must be easie and Good-humour'd, and not grow Splenetick, or Haughty upon the Contemplation. Remembring notwithftanding, that the true Bulk and Bigness of a Man, is to be measur'd by the size of his Business, and the Quality of his Inclinations.
[tr. Collier (1701)]

The vain solicitude about shows, scenical representations, flocks and herds, skirmishing, little bones cast in for contention among little dogs, baits cast into a fish-pond, the toiling of Ants, and their carrying of burdens, the fluttering of affrighted flies, the involuntary agitations of puppets by wires!
We ought to persist amidst such things with good-nature, without storming at them; and be persuaded that such is the worth of each person, as is the value of the things he pursues.
[tr. Hutcheson/Moor (1742)]

A fondness for pompous processions, grand exhibitions on the stage, or skirmishes in the amphitheatre; the care of flocks and herds; these are some of the solemn amusements of mankind; and are of much the same importance as the quarrelling of dogs for a bone, of fishes catching at a bait, an hillock of ants in an uproar about carrying a grain of corn, of mince scampering across a room in a fright, or puppets danced on wires. Such is the bustle of human life!
Let us, however, amidst this ludicrous scene of things not be out of humour, but contemplate it with complacency and benevolence; remembering always to estimate the value of men by the utility of those employments on which they bestow their attention.
[tr. Graves (1792)]

The idle business of show, plays on the stage, flocks of sheep, herds, exercises with spears, a bone cast to little dogs, a bit of bread into fishponds, laborings of ants and burden-carrying, runnings about of frightened little mice, puppets pulled by strings -- [all alike].
It is thy duty then in the midst of such things to show good humor and not a proud air; to understand however that every man is worth just so much as the things are worth about which he busies himself.
[tr. Long (1862)]

Gazing after shows, the diversions of the stage, farms well stocked with flocks and herds, contests for victory in the field are all much the same. So, too, a bone thrown to puppies, fishes scrambling for a bait, ants laboriously carrying a grain of wheat, mice frighted out of their wits and running away, puppets danced upon a wire.
And in the midst of them a wise man must be good-humored, and not grow haughty in the contemplation. Remembering, notwithstanding, that the true worth of a man is to be measured by the objects he pursues.
[tr. Collier/Zimmern (1887)]

A mimic pageant, a stage spectacle, flocking sheep and herding cows, an armed brawl, a bone flung to curs, a crumb dropped in the fish-tanks, toiling of burdened ants, the scamper of scurrying mice, puppets pulled with strings -- such is life.
In such surroundings you must take your stand, considerate and undisdainful; yet understand the while, that the measure of the man's worth is the worth of his aims.
[tr. Rendall (1898)]

Your vain concern for shows, for stage plays, for flocks and herds, your little combats, are as bones cast for the contention of puppies, as baits dropped into a fishpond, as the toil of ants and the burdens that they bear, as the scampering of frightened mice, or the antics of puppets jerked by wires.
It is then your duty amid all this to stand firm, kindly and not proud, yet to understand that a man’s worth is just the worth of that which he pursues.
[tr. Hutcheson/Chrystal (1902)]

Empty love of pageantry, stage-plays, flocks and herds, sham-fights, a bone thrown to lap-dogs, crumbs cast in a fish-pond, painful travail of ants and their bearing of burdens, scurryings of scared little mice, puppets moved by strings.
Amid such environment therefore thou must take thy place graciously and not "snorting defiance," nay thou must keep abreast of the fact that everyone is worth just so much as those things are worth in which he is interested.
[tr. Haines (Loeb) (1916)]

A procession's vain pomp, plays on a stage, flocks, herds, sham fights, a bone thrown to puppies, a crumb into fishponds, toiling and moiling of ants carrying their loads, scurrying of startled mice, marionettes dancing to strings.
Well, then, you must stand up in all this, kindly and not carrying your head proudly; yet understand that every man is worth just so much as the worth of what he has set his heart upon.
[tr. Farquharson (1944)]

The idle pageantry of a procession, plays on the stage, flocks and herds, the clahsing of spears, a bone tossed to puppies, a scrap of bread cast into a fishpond, the wretched labours of overladen ants, the scurryings of stargled mice, puppets pulled about on their strings.
You must take your place, then, in the midst of all this, with a good grace and without assuming a scornful air; and yet, at the same time, keep in mind that a person's worth is measured by the worth of what he has set his heart on.
[tr. Hard (1997 ed.)]

Pointless bustling of processions, opera arias, herds of sheep and cattle, military exercises. A bone flung to pet poodles, a little food in the fish tank. The miserable servitude of ants, scampering of frightened mice, puppets jerked on strings.
Surrounded as we are by all of this, we need to practice acceptance. Without disdain. But remembering that our own worth is measured by what we devote our energy to.
[tr. Hays (2003)]

The empty pomp of a procession, plays on the stage, flocks and herds, jousting shows, a bone thrown to puppies, tit-bits into the fishponds, ants toiling and carrying, the scurries of frightened mice, puppets dancing on their strings.
Well, amid all this you must keep yourself tolerant -- do not snort at them. But bear in mind that a person’s worth is measured by the worth of what he values.
[tr. Hammond (2006)]

The idle pageantry of a procession, plays on a stage, flocks and herds, the clashing of spears, a bone tossed to puppies, a scrap of bread cast into a fishpond, the wretched labours of overladen ants, the scurryings of startled mice, puppets pulled about on their strings.
You must take your place, then in, the midst of all this, with a good grace and without assuming a scornful air; and yet, at the same time, keep in mind that a person's worth is measured by the worth of what he has set his heart on.
[tr. Hard (2011 ed.)]

Each man is as worthy as his endeavours are worthy.
[ed. Taplin (2016)]

Thoreau, Henry David -- Walden; or, Life in the Woods, ch. 1 “Economy” (1854)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.

Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862) American philosopher and writer
Walden; or, Life in the Woods, ch. 1 “Economy” (1854)
(Source)

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 424 (1820)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones.

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 424 (1820)
(Source)

Michelangelo -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.

Michelangelo (1475–1564) Italian artist, architect, poet [Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni]
(Attributed)

Widely attributed to Michelangelo as of the late Twentieth Century, but without citation.

Clarke, Arthur C. -- “Hazards of Prophecy: The Failure of Imagination,” Profiles of the Future (1962)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

But the only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.

Arthur C. Clarke (1917–2008) British writer
“Hazards of Prophecy: The Failure of Imagination,” Profiles of the Future (1962)

Also known as Clarke's Second Law.

Russell, Bertrand -- Conquest of Happiness, Part 1, ch. 2 “Byronic Unhappiness” (1930)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

The human animal, like others, is adapted to a certain amount of struggle for life, and when by means of great wealth homo sapiens can gratify all his whims without effort, the mere absence of effort from his life removes an essential ingredient of happiness. The man who acquires easily things for which he feels only a very moderate desire concludes that the attainment of desire does not bring happiness. If he is of a philosophic disposition, he concludes that human life is essentially wretched, since the man who has all he wants is still unhappy. He forgets that to be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) English mathematician and philosopher
Conquest of Happiness, Part 1, ch. 2 “Byronic Unhappiness” (1930)
(Source)

Roosevelt, Theodore -- Speech (1899-04-10), “The Strenuous Life,” Hamilton Club, Chicago

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Far better it is to dare mighty things, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those who neither enjoy much or suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American politician, statesman, conservationist, writer, US President (1901–1909)
Speech (1899-04-10), “The Strenuous Life,” Hamilton Club, Chicago
(Source)

Eliot, T. S. -- Preface to Transit of Venus: Poems by Harry Crosby (1931)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) American-British poet, critic, playwright [Thomas Stearns Eliot]
Preface to Transit of Venus: Poems by Harry Crosby (1931)

Herold, Don -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it.

Don Herold (1889–1966) American humorist, cartoonist, author
(Attributed)
(Source)

Quoted in Lawrence Peter, Peter's People (1979) as "Herold's Law."