On the loftiest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own rump.
—Michel de Montaigne, 1580
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Quotes
A passion for horses, players, and gladiators seems to be the epidemic folly of the times. The child receives it in his mother’s womb; he brings it with him into the world, and in a mind so possessed, what room for science, or any generous purpose?
—Tacitus, c. 100The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.
—Steve Biko, 1971The human body is the best picture of the human soul.
—Ludwig Wittgenstein, c. 1947Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.
—Pericles, c. 431 BCThe character which results from wealth is that of a prosperous fool.
—Aristotle, c. 322 BCOne thing alone not even God can do: to make undone whatever has been done.
—Aristotle, c. 350 BCDo not lessen the time of following desire, for the wasting of time is an abomination to the spirit.
—Ptahhotep, c. 2350 BCSerious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules, and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence; in other words it is war minus the shooting.
—George Orwell, 1945Dance tunes are always right.
—Dylan Thomas, 1936To know intense joy without a strong bodily frame, one must have an enthusiastic soul.
—George Eliot, 1872“Abroad,” that large home of ruined reputations.
—George Eliot, 1866Men worry over the great number of diseases, while doctors worry over the scarcity of effective remedies.
—Bian Qiao, c. 500 BC