WIST Quotations

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1745 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:34:59 +0000

No gains without pains.

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1745 ed.)

Franklin recapped this in his final Poor Richard Improved (1758 ed.): "There are no Gains, without Pains." This was in turn reprinted in abridged Way to Wealth (1773).

Sometimes erroneously cited to Poor Richard (1734 ed.); that has something different in structure and meaning: "Hope of gain / Lessens pain."

See also Breton (1577) and Herrick (1648).

Herrick, Robert -- Poem (1648), “No Pains, No Gains,” Hesperides, # 752

Dave — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:00:12 +0000

If little labour, little are our gains;
Man’s fortunes are according to his pains.

Robert Herrick (1591–1674) English poet
Poem (1648), “No Pains, No Gains,” Hesperides, # 752

See Breton (1577)

Breton, Nicholas -- Workes of a Young Wyt (1577)

Dave — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:34:39 +0000

SUSAN: The world is hard, they must take pain that look for any gayn.

Nicholas Breton (c. 1545/53 - c. 1625/26) English Renaissance poet and prose writer [Britton; Brittaine]
Workes of a Young Wyt (1577)

First record of something resembling "No pain, no gain" in English.

Antrim, Minna -- Naked Truth and Veiled Allusions (1902)

Dave — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:50:22 +0000

Politeness is a gilt-edged investment that seldom misses a dividend.

Minna Antrim (1861–1950) American epigrammatist, writer
Naked Truth and Veiled Allusions (1902)

Euripides -- Bellerophon [Βελλεροφῶν], frag. 297 (TGF) (c. 430 BC) [tr. Wodhull (1809)]

Dave — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:32:15 +0000

How deep is evil rooted in the breasts
Of all men! tho’ our pardon we extend not
To him, who, grasping at some great reward,
Becomes a sinner: yet since, in proportion
As he grows boldly profligate, he reaps
Greater advantages, he with more ease
The world’s reproachful language may sustain.

[ὡς ἔμφυτος μὲν πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις κάκη”
ὅστις δὲ πλεῖστον μισϑὸν εἰς χεῖρας λαβὼν
κακὸς γένηται, τῷδε συγγνώμη μὲν οὔ,
πλείω δὲ μισϑὸν μείζονος τόλμης ἔχων
τὸν τῶν λεγόντων ῥᾷον ἂν φέροι Ῥόγον.]

Euripides (485?-406? BC) Greek tragic dramatist
Bellerophon [Βελλεροφῶν], frag. 297 (TGF) (c. 430 BC) [tr. Wodhull (1809)]

Nauck frag. 299. Barnes frag. 44, Musgrave frag. 9. (Source (Greek)). Other translations:

All men have badness in their natures! The one who takes most pay into his hands, and proves bad, gets no pardon; but if he has more pay for greater audacity, he'll endure censorious talk more easily.
[tr. Collard, Hargreaves, Cropp (1995)]

There is evil in all men. Whoever gets his hands on good money and is seen to be wicked, he is roundly condemned. But if he were yet more daring, gaining even greater reward, he would have less of a problem enduring being criticized by others.
[tr. Stevens (2012)]

Watts, Isaac -- Miscellaneous Thoughts in Prose and Verse [Reliquiæ Juveniles], ch. 32 “Earth, Heaven, and Hell” (1734)

Dave — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:20:12 +0000

Death, to a good man is but passing through a dark entry, out of one little dusky room of his Father’s house, into another that is fair and large, lightsome and glorious, and divinely entertaining.

Isaac Watts (1674–1748) English theologian and hymnodist
Miscellaneous Thoughts in Prose and Verse [Reliquiæ Juveniles], ch. 32 “Earth, Heaven, and Hell” (1734)

This phrase is often misattributed to Adam Clarke (1762-1832) (e.g., 1853, 1853, 1876, 1880, 1888) or Samuel Clarke (1727-1769) (e.g., 1827). Finding the primary source confirms Watts' authorship, though it is possible that others used the passage in sermons and writings, and the attribution was misremembered.

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 9 (1963)

Dave — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:53:54 +0000

Anything you do from the heart enriches you, but sometimes not till years later.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 9 (1963)

La Bruyere, Jean de -- The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 11 “Of Mankind [De l’Homme],” § 110 (11.110) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)]

Dave — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 03:08:42 +0000

Self-indulgence and sensual delight are born with man and die only at his death; neither the joys nor the sorrows of life can deprive him of them; he finds therein the reward of success, or a consolation for misfortune.

[La mollesse et la volupté naissent avec l’homme, et ne finissent qu’avec lui; ni les heureux ni les tristes événements ne l’en peuvent séparer; c’est pour lui ou le fruit de la bonne fortune, ou un dédommagement de la mauvaise.]

Jean de La Bruyère (1645–1696) French essayist, moralist
The Characters [Les Caractères], ch. 11 “Of Mankind [De l’Homme],” § 110 (11.110) (1688) [tr. Stewart (1970)]

(Source (French)). Other translations:

Softness and voluptuousness are innate, they are born with men and die with them, happy, or unhappy accidents never cure 'em, good and bad fortune equally produce them.
[Bullord ed. (1696)]

Luxury and Voluptuousness are innate, born with Man and die with them, happy or unhappy Accidents never part him from them; the fruits he enjoys of a good Fortune and the amends of a bad one.
[Curll ed. (1713)]

Softness and Voluptuousness are innate to Men, and stick by them till they die; it is beyond the Power of happy, or unhappy Accidents to detach them: they are the Emanations of Prosperity or used as Solaces in Adversity.
[Browne ed. (1752)]

Want of vigour and voluptuousness are innate in man and cease with him, and fortunate or unfortunate circumstances never make him abandon them; they are the fruits of prosperity or become a solace in adversity.
[tr. Van Laun (1885)]

Gladwell, Malcolm -- Outliers: The Story of Success, ch. 5, sec. 10 (2008)

Dave — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:12:25 +0000

Those three things — autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward — are, most people will agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying.

Malcolm Gladwell (b. 1963) Anglo-Canadian journalist, author, public speaker
Outliers: The Story of Success, ch. 5, sec. 10 (2008)

Landon, Letitia Elizabeth -- “The Golden Violet” (1827)

Dave — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 15:31:55 +0000

So much to win, so much to lose,
No marvel that I fear to choose.

Letitia Elizabeth Landon (1802–1838) English poet and novelist [a/k/a L.E.L.]
“The Golden Violet” (1827)

Ellis, Havelock -- The Dance of Life, ch. 5 “The Art of Religion,” sec. 4 (1923)

Dave — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 20:43:49 +0000

The Promised Land always lies on the other side of a wilderness.

Havelock Ellis (1859–1939) British sexologist, physician, social reformer [Henry Havelock Ellis]
The Dance of Life, ch. 5 “The Art of Religion,” sec. 4 (1923)

Virgil -- The Aeneid [Ænē̆is], Book 1, l. 603ff (1.603-605) [Aeneas to Dido] (29-19 BC) [tr. Fitzgerald (1981), l. 820ff]

Dave — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 20:58:49 +0000

May the gods —
And surely there are powers that care for goodness,
Surely somewhere justice counts — may they
And your own consciousness of acting well
Reward you as they should!

[Di tibi, si qua pios respectant numina, si quid
Usquam iustitiae est et mens sibi conscia recti,
Praemia digna ferant.]

Virgil (70–19 BC) Roman poet [b. Publius Vergilius Maro; also Vergil]
The Aeneid [Ænē̆is], Book 1, l. 603ff (1.603-605) [Aeneas to Dido] (29-19 BC) [tr. Fitzgerald (1981), l. 820ff]

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

The Gods (if there be any Providence,
Or Justice, will the pious recompence)
Sure must reward thee.
[tr. Ogilby (1649)]

The gods, if gods to goodness are inclin'd;
If acts of mercy touch their heav'nly mind,
And, more than all the gods, your gen'rous heart.
Conscious of worth, requite its own desert!
[tr. Dryden (1697)]

The gods (if any powers divine regard the pious, if justice any where exists, and a mind conscious of its own virtue) shall yield thee a just recompense.
[tr. Davidson/Buckley (1854)]

May Heaven, if virtue claim its thought,
If justice yet avail for aught,
Heaven, and the sense of conscious right,
With worthier meed your acts requite!
[tr. Conington (1866)]

If anywhere
The gods regard the good; if anywhere
Be justice, and a mind within itself
Conscious of rectitude, -- the gods shall give
Deserved reward to thee.
[tr. Cranch (1872)]

The gods grant thee worthy reward, if their deity turn any regard on goodness, if aught avails justice and conscious purity of soul.
[tr. Mackail (1885)]

But if somewhere a godhead is the righteous man to heed,
If justice is, or any soul to note the right it wrought,
May the Gods give thee due reward.
[tr. Morris (1900)]

The gods, if gods the good and just regard,
And thy own conscience, that approves the right,
Grant thee due guerdon and a fit reward.
[tr. Taylor (1907), st. 80, l. 712ff]

May gods on high (if influence divine
bless faithful lives, or recompense be found
in justice and thy self-approving mind)
give thee thy due reward.
[tr. Williams (1910)]

May the gods, if any divine powers have regard for the good, if justice has any weight anywhere -- may the gods and the consciousness of right bring thee worthy rewards!
[tr. Fairclough (1916)]

If there is justice anywhere, if goodness
Means anything to any power, if gods
At all regard good people, may they give
The great rewards you merit.
[tr. Humphries (1951)]

If angels there be who look after the good, if indeed just dealing
And minds informed with the right mean anything to heaven,
May God, reward you as you deserve!
[tr. Day Lewis (1952)]

May gods confer on you your due rewards,
if deities regard the good, if justice
and mind aware of right count anywhere.
[tr. Mandelbaum (1971), l. 847ff]

May the gods bring you the reward you deserve, if there are any gods who have regard for goodness, if there is any justice in the world, if their minds have any sense of right.
[tr. West (1990)]

May the gods, and the mind itself conscious of right,
bring you a just reward, if the gods respect the virtuous,
if there is justice anywhere.
[tr. Kline (2002)]

May the gods --
If any powers above look down on the pious,
If there is any justice anywhere -- may the gods
And your good conscience reward you
As you deserve.
[tr. Lombardo (2005)]

But may the gods,
if there are Powers who still respect the good and true,
if justice still exists on the face of the earth,
may they and their own sense of right and wrong
bring you your just rewards.
[tr. Fagles (2006), l. 720ff]

May the gods -- if they honor pious men, if there's justice anywhere, and conscience -- reward you in kind.
[tr. Bartsch (2021)]

Butler, Octavia -- Parable of the Talents, ch. 19, epigram (1998)

Dave — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:17:57 +0000

All religions are ultimately cargo cults. Adherents perform required rituals, follow specific rules, and expect to be supernaturally gifted with desired rewards — long life, honor, wisdom, children, good health, wealth, victory over opponents, immortality after death, any desired rewards.

Octavia Butler (1947–2006) American writer
Parable of the Talents, ch. 19, epigram (1998)

Beauvoir, Simone de -- All Said and Done (1974)

Dave — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 23:58:11 +0000

I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth — and truth rewarded me.

Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986) French author, existentialist philosopher, feminist theorist
All Said and Done (1974)

Connolly, Cyril -- The Unquiet Grave (1944)

Dave — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 21:01:38 +0000

The reward of art is not fame or success but intoxication: that is why so many bad artists are unable to give it up.

Cyril Connolly (1903–1974) English intellectual, literary critic and writer.
The Unquiet Grave (1944)

Beecher, Henry Ward -- Life Thoughts [ed. E. Proctor] (1858)

Dave — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 22:39:35 +0000

Do the best you can where you are; and, when that is accomplished, God will open a door for you, and a voice will call, “Come up hither into a higher sphere.”

Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) American clergyman and orator
Life Thoughts [ed. E. Proctor] (1858)

Winter, William -- “The Queen’s Domain,” The Queen’s Domain, and Other Poems (1858)

Dave — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 23:02:57 +0000

For, though th’ ascent be rough, and steep the fall,
Ambition has but one reward for all:
A little power, a little transient fame,
A grave to rest in, and a fading name!

William Winter (1836–1917) American dramatic critic and author
“The Queen’s Domain,” The Queen’s Domain, and Other Poems (1858)

Brooks, Phillips -- “Destruction and Fulfilment,” Sermon 12, Twenty Sermons, 4th Series (1887)

Dave — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 18:17:45 +0000

Do not be chary of appreciation. Hearts are unconsciously hungry for it.

Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) American clergyman, hymnist
“Destruction and Fulfilment,” Sermon 12, Twenty Sermons, 4th Series (1887)

Sermon on Matt. 17.

La Rochefoucauld, Francois -- Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶166 (1665-1678) [tr. Bund/Friswell (1871)]

Dave — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:35:21 +0000

The world oftener rewards the appearance of merit than merit itself.

[Le monde récompense plus souvent les apparences du mérite que le mérite même.]

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680) French epigrammatist, memoirist, noble
Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims], ¶166 (1665-1678) [tr. Bund/Friswell (1871)]

Present in the 1st (1665) edition. In manuscript form, this maxim was much longer:

The world, failing to recognize true merit, has no intention of rewarding it; thus, it elevates to positions of greatness and dignity only those who possess superficial charms, generally crowning whatever glitters — even though not all that glitters is gold.

[Le monde, ne connoissant pas le véritable mérite, n’a garde de le vouloir récompenser ; aussi n’élève-t-il pas à ses grandeurs et à ses dignités que des personnes qui ont de belles qualités, et il couronne généralement tout ce qui luit, quoique tout ce qui luit ne soit pas de l’or.]

See also ¶162.

(Source (French)). Other translations:

The appearances of Goodness and Desert often meet with a greater reward from the World, than real Goodness and Desert itself.
[tr. Stanhope (1694), ¶167]

The appearance of merit is oftener rewarded by the world than merit itself.
[pub. Donaldson (1783), ¶310; ed. Lepoittevin-Lacroix (1797), ¶160]

The affectation of merit is oftener rewarded than merit itself.
[ed. Carvill (1835), ¶273]

The world more often rewards the appearances of merit than it does merit itself.
[ed. Gowens (1851), ¶169]

Apparent virtue is more often praised than true merit.
[tr. Heard (1917), ¶166]

The world bestows its prizes more often upon the semblance of merit than upon merit itself.
[tr. FitzGibbon (1957), ¶166]

The world oftener rewards the appearance of merit than merit itself.
[tr. Kronenberger (1959), ¶166]

The world more often rewards outward signs of merit than merit itself.
[tr. Tancock (1959), ¶166]

The world more often rewards the appearance of merit than it does the thing itself.
[tr. Whichello (2016) ¶166]

Lewis, C.S. -- Letter to Arthur Greeves, Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis, Vol. 2: 1931-1949 (2004)

Dave — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 22:00:24 +0000

There is always some peace in having submitted to the right. Don’t spoil it by worrying about the results, if you can help it. It is not your business to succeed (no one can be sure of that) but to do right: when you have done so, the rest lies with God ….

C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) English writer, literary scholar, lay theologian [Clive Staples Lewis]
Letter to Arthur Greeves, Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis, Vol. 2: 1931-1949 (2004)

Foglio, Phil -- Girl Genius, Vol. 13, p. 38, “The Heterodyne Requires Cake” (10 Apr 2013)

Dave — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 04:27:57 +0000

AGATHA: … But after that, I’d better see some cake.
TARVEK: You know, there’s more to being an evil despot than getting cake whenever you want it.
AGATHA: If that’s what you think, then you’re doing it wrong!

Phil Foglio (b. 1956) American writer, cartoonist
Girl Genius, Vol. 13, p. 38, “The Heterodyne Requires Cake” (10 Apr 2013)

In Agatha H. and the Siege of Mechanicsburg (2020) [with Kaja Foglio], this is rendered:

“But after that, I’d better see some cake.”

Tarvek glanced at her. “You know, there’s more to being an evil despot than getting cake whenever you want it.”

Agatha thought about this and was filled with a sudden conviction, one that would stand the test of time through everything else that happened to her through the years. “If that’s what you think, then you’re doing it wrong.”

Kushner, Harold S. -- When Bad Things Happen to Good People, ch. 1 (1981)

Dave — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 01:20:27 +0000

There is only one question which really matters: why do bad things happen to good people?

Harold S. Kushner (b. 1935) American author, rabbi
When Bad Things Happen to Good People, ch. 1 (1981)

Tawney, R. H. -- Religion and the Rise of Capitalism, ch. 4 (1926)

Dave — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 02:16:00 +0000

Convinced that character is all and circumstances nothing, [the Puritan] sees in the poverty of those who fall by the way, not a misfortune to be pitied and relieved, but a moral failing to be condemned, and in riches, not an object of suspicion but the blessing which rewards the triumph of energy and will.

R. H. Tawney (1880–1962) English writer, economist, historian, social critic [Richard Henry Tawney]
Religion and the Rise of Capitalism, ch. 4 (1926)

Rowe, Nicholas -- Tamerlane, Act 2, sc. 2 (1701)

Dave — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 22:31:19 +0000

Great minds, like heaven, are pleased in doing good,
Though the ungrateful subjects of their favors
Are barren in return.

Nicholas Rowe (1674–1718) English poet and dramatist
Tamerlane, Act 2, sc. 2 (1701)

Lewis, C.S. -- “The Weight of Glory,” sermon, Oxford University Church of St Mary the Virgin (8 Jun 1941)

Dave — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 13:49:51 +0000

Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) English writer, literary scholar, lay theologian [Clive Staples Lewis]
“The Weight of Glory,” sermon, Oxford University Church of St Mary the Virgin (8 Jun 1941)

Bible, Vol. 2. New Testament -- Book 9. Letter to the Galatians 6: 7 (Gal 6:7) [KJV (1611)]

Dave — Wed, 25 May 2016 16:57:34 +0000

For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

[ὃ γὰρ ἐὰν σπείρῃ ἄνθρωπος τοῦτο καὶ θερίσει.]

The Bible (The New Testament) (AD 1st - 2nd C) Christian sacred scripture
Book 9. Letter to the Galatians 6: 7 (Gal 6:7) [KJV (1611)]

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

Where a man sows, there he reaps.
[JB (1966)]

You will reap exactly what you plant.
[GNT (1976)]

Whatever someone sows, that is what he will reap.
[NJB (1985)]

A person will harvest what they plant.
[CEB (2011)]

For you reap whatever you sow.
[NRSV (2021 ed.)]

Euripides -- Hecuba [Hekabe; Ἑκάβη], l. 900ff (c. 424 BC) [tr. Sheppard (1924)]

Dave — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 15:10:55 +0000

AGAMEMNON:For it touches all,
Cities and men alike, that deeds of ill
Find evil ends, and virtue prosper still.

[ἈΓΑΜΈΜΝΩΝ:πᾶσι γὰρ κοινὸν τόδε,
ἰδίᾳ θ᾽ ἑκάστῳ καὶ πόλει, τὸν μὲν κακὸν
κακόν τι πάσχειν, τὸν δὲ χρηστὸν εὐτυχεῖν.]

Euripides (485?-406? BC) Greek tragic dramatist
Hecuba [Hekabe; Ἑκάβη], l. 900ff (c. 424 BC) [tr. Sheppard (1924)]

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

For 'tis the common interest of mankind.
Of every individual, every state.
That he who hath transgress'd should suffer ill.
And Fortune crown the efforts of the virtuous.
[tr. Wodhull (1809)]

For this is a general principle among all, both individuals in private and states,
That the wicked man should feel vengeance, but the good man enjoy prosperity.
[tr. Edwards (1826)]

For the general good
Of individuals and of states requires
That vengeance overtake th’ unrighteous deed,
And virtue triumph in her just reward.
[ed. Ramage (1864)]

For all men's weal is this, --
Each several man's, and for the state, -- that ill
Betide the bad, prosperity the good.
[tr. Way (Loeb) (1894)]

For this is the interest alike of citizen and state, that the wrong-doer be punished and the good man prosper.
[tr. Coleridge (1938)]

The common interests
of states and individuals alike demand
that good and evil receive their just rewards.
[tr. Arrowsmith (1958)]

Every man -- every slave -- shares one wish. May we each get what we deserve.
[tr. McGuinness (2004)]

I think the wish is common among men, as individuals and citizens, that bad men should suffer and good men thrive.
[tr. Harrison (2005)]

It is everyone’s conviction, individually and collectively as a city, that the evil man suffers and the good man rejoices.
[tr. Theodoridis (2007)]

It’s in the interests of both
states and individuals that evil suffers evil
and good fares well.
[tr. Karden/Street (2011)]

Swift, Jonathan -- Letter (1720-08-13) to Esther Vanhomrigh

Dave — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 13:47:53 +0000

If Heaven had looked upon riches to be a valuable thing, it would not have given them to such a scoundrel.

Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) English writer and churchman
Letter (1720-08-13) to Esther Vanhomrigh

Muhammad -- (Attributed)

Dave — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:41:45 +0000

Every good act is charity. A man’s true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.

Muhammad (AD c. 570–632) Arab religious, military, and political leader; founder of Islam [Mohammed, مُحَمَّد]
(Attributed)

Attributed in Rev. James Wood (ed.) Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources (1893). Also sometimes attributed to Moliere.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (May 1755)

Dave — Fri, 08 May 2015 13:39:16 +0000

The honest Man takes Pains, and then enjoys Pleasures;
the Knave takes Pleasure, and then suffers Pains.

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (May 1755)

Bible, Vol. 2. New Testament -- Book 6. Letter to the Romans 8:22ff (Rom 8:22–25) [CEB (2011)]

Dave — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 21:01:05 +0000

We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now. And it’s not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. We were saved in hope. If we see what we hope for, that isn’t hope. Who hopes for what they already see? But if we hope for what we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.

[οἴδαμεν γὰρ ὅτι πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις συστενάζει καὶ συνωδίνει ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν· οὐ μόνον δέ, ἀλλὰ καὶ αὐτοὶ τὴν ἀπαρχὴν τοῦ πνεύματος ἔχοντες, ἡμεῖς καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς στενάζομεν υἱοθεσίαν ἀπεκδεχόμενοι, τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν τοῦ σώματος ἡμῶν. τῇ γὰρ ἐλπίδι ἐσώθημεν· ἐλπὶς δὲ βλεπομένη οὐκ ἔστιν ἐλπίς· ὃ γὰρ βλέπει τίς ἐλπίζει; εἰ δὲ ὃ οὐ βλέπομεν ἐλπίζομεν, δι᾽ ὑπομονῆς ἀπεκδεχόμεθα.]

The Bible (The New Testament) (AD 1st - 2nd C) Christian sacred scripture
Book 6. Letter to the Romans 8:22ff (Rom 8:22–25) [CEB (2011)]

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
[KJV (1611)]

From the beginning till now the entire creation, as we know, has been groaning in one great act of giving birth; and not only creation, but all of us who possess the first-fruits of the Spirit, we too groan inwardly as we wait for our bodies to be set free. For we must be content to hope that we shall be saved -- our salvation is not in sight, we should not have to be hoping for it if it were -- but, as I say, we must hope to be saved since we are not saved yet -- it is something we must wait for with patience.
[JB (1966)]

We are well aware that the whole creation, until this time, has been groaning in labour pains. And not only that: we too, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we are groaning inside ourselves, waiting with eagerness for our bodies to be set free. In hope, we already have salvation; in hope, not visibly present, or we should not be hoping -- nobody goes on hoping for something which is already visible. But having this hope for what we cannot yet see, we are able to wait for it with persevering confidence.
[NJB (1985)]

For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free. For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who of us hopes for something we see? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
[GNT (1992 ed.)]

We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
[NRSV (2021 ed.)]

Brooks, Thomas -- Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (1652)

Dave — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:25:27 +0000

The snow covers many a dunghill, so doth prosperity many a rotten heart.

Thomas Brooks (1608–1680) English Puritan divine, writer
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices (1652)

Howells, William Dean -- Interview with Orison Swett Marden, Success Magazine

Dave — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:22:49 +0000

I know, indeed, of nothing more subtly satisfying and cheering than a knowledge of the real good will and appreciation of others. Such happiness does not come with money, nor does it flow from a fine physical state. It cannot be brought. But it is the keenest joy, after all, and the toiler’s truest and best reward.

William Dean Howells (1837–1920) American author, literary critic, and playwright
Interview with Orison Swett Marden, Success Magazine

Quoted in Marden, How They Succeeded: Life Stories of Successful Men Told by Themselves, ch. 11 (1901).

Howe, Edgar Watson -- Ventures in Common Sense, “Miscellany of Life” (1919)

Dave — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:25:47 +0000

The greatest humiliation in life, is to work hard on something from which you expect great appreciation, and then fail to get it.

Edgar Watson "Ed" Howe (1853–1937) American journalist and author [E. W. Howe]
Ventures in Common Sense, “Miscellany of Life” (1919)

Bible, Vol. 2. New Testament -- Book 1. Gospel of Matthew 5: 1ff (Matt 5:1–12), “The Beatitudes” (Jesus) [CEB (2011)]

Dave — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:26:39 +0000

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:
“Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad.
“Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.
“Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.
“Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.
“Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God.
“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.
“Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you.”

[Ἰδὼν δὲ τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνέβη εἰς τὸ ὄρος, καὶ καθίσαντος αὐτοῦ προσῆλθαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ ἐδίδασκεν αὐτοὺς λέγων,
Μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι,
ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.
μακάριοι οἱ πενθοῦντες,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται.
μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν τὴν γῆν.
μακάριοι οἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται.
μακάριοι οἱ ἐλεήμονες,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ ἐλεηθήσονται.
μακάριοι οἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ τὸν θεὸν ὄψονται.
μακάριοι οἱ εἰρηνοποιοί,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ θεοῦ κληθήσονται.
μακάριοι οἱ δεδιωγμένοι ἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης,
ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.
μακάριοί ἐστε ὅταν ὀνειδίσωσιν ὑμᾶς καὶ διώξωσιν καὶ εἴπωσιν πᾶν πονηρὸν καθ᾽ ὑμῶν [ψευδόμενοι] ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ. χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· οὕτως γὰρ ἐδίωξαν τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν.]

The Bible (The New Testament) (AD 1st - 2nd C) Christian sacred scripture
Book 1. Gospel of Matthew 5: 1ff (Matt 5:1–12), “The Beatitudes” (Jesus) [CEB (2011)]

The first part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1-7:29). This passage is paralleled (but shorter) in Luke 6:20-23.

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
[KJV (1611)]

Seeing the crowds, he went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
'How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Happy the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage.
'Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
'Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied.
'Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
'Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God.
'Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God.
'Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.'
[JB (1966)]

Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them:
“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
“Happy are those who mourn;
God will comfort them!
“Happy are those who are humble;
they will receive what God has promised!
“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
God will satisfy them fully!
“Happy are those who are merciful to others;
God will be merciful to them!
“Happy are the pure in heart;
they will see God!
“Happy are those who work for peace;
God will call them his children!
“Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
“Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted."
[GNT (1976)]

Seeing the crowds, he went onto the mountain. And when he was seated his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
'How blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
'Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth as inheritance.
'Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill.
'Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
'Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
'Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be recognised as children of God.
'Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
'Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.
[NJB (1985)]

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
[NRSV (2021 ed.)]

Johnson, Samuel -- The Rambler, #155 (10 Sep 1751)

Dave — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:49:37 +0000

The mischief of flattery is not that it persuades any man that he is what he is not, but that it suppresses the influence of honest ambition, by raising an opinion that honor may be gained without the toil of merit.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
The Rambler, #155 (10 Sep 1751)

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Gnomologia: Adages and Proverbs (compiler), # 2348 (1732)

Dave — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:39:34 +0000

He that will have the Kernel, must crack the Shell.

Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Gnomologia: Adages and Proverbs (compiler), # 2348 (1732)

Butler, Samuel -- The Note-Books of Samuel Butler, “Morality” (1912)

Dave — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:09:20 +0000

Morality turns on whether the pleasure precedes or follows the pain. Thus it is immoral to get drunk because the headache comes after the drinking. But if the headache came first and the drunkenness afterwards, it would be moral to get drunk.

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

Full text.

Paine, Thomas -- “The American Crisis” #1 (19 Dec 1776)

Dave — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:14:53 +0000

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) American political philosopher and writer
“The American Crisis” #1 (19 Dec 1776)

Cicero, Marcus Tullius -- (Attributed)

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

If you pursue good with labor, the labor passes away but the good remains. If you pursue evil with pleasure, the pleasure passes away and the evil remains.

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) Roman orator, statesman, philosopher
(Attributed)

Widely attributed to Cicero, but no actual citations found. Sometimes the clauses are reversed:

If you pursue evil with pleasure, the pleasure passes away and the evil remains. If you pursue good with labor, the labor passes away but the good remains.

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- “New England Reformers,” lecture, Boston (1844-03-03), Essays: Second Series (1844)

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

The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
“New England Reformers,” lecture, Boston (1844-03-03), Essays: Second Series (1844)

Reprinted in Essays: Second Series (1844).

Ingersoll, Robert Green -- Essay (1881-08) “The Christian Religion,” “Is All of the Bible Inspired?” ch. 2, North American Review, Vol. 133, No. 297

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

There are in nature neither rewards nor punishments — there are consequences.

Robert Green Ingersoll (1833–1899) American lawyer, freethinker, orator
Essay (1881-08) “The Christian Religion,” “Is All of the Bible Inspired?” ch. 2, North American Review, Vol. 133, No. 297

Collected in Allen Thorndike Rice (ed.), The Christian Religion, ch. 1 (1882).

See Longfellow (1857).

Ingersoll, Robert Green -- Essay (1881-11) “The Christian Religion,” “Part 2” North American Review, Vol. 133, No. 300

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

Happiness is not a reward — it is a consequence. Suffering is not a punishment — it is a result.

Robert Green Ingersoll (1833–1899) American lawyer, freethinker, orator
Essay (1881-11) “The Christian Religion,” “Part 2” North American Review, Vol. 133, No. 300

See Lippmann (1929). Collected in Allen Thorndike Rice (ed.), The Christian Religion, ch. 3 (1882).

Warner, Charles Dudley -- Backlog Studies, Fifth Study, sec. 3 (1872)

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

It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

Charles Dudley Warner (1829–1900) American essayist and novelist
Backlog Studies, Fifth Study, sec. 3 (1872)

Originally published in Scribner's Monthly (Apr 1872). Frequently misattributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson.