Writing cannot express words fully; words cannot express thoughts fully.
—The Book of Changes, c. 350 BC
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Quotes
For, say they, when cruising in an empty ship, if you can get nothing better out of the world, get a good dinner out of it, at least.
—Herman Melville, 1851An election is coming. Universal peace is declared, and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry.
—George Eliot, 1866Because the newer methods of treatment are good, it does not follow that the old ones were bad: for if our honorable and worshipful ancestors had not recovered from their ailments, you and I would not be here today.
—Confucius, c. 515 BCIf not us, who? If not now, when?
—Czech slogan, 1989Today’s friend may be tomorrow’s foe.
—Sophocles, 440 BCI find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise.
—Thomas Jefferson, 1789I know what I have given you. I do not know what you have received.
—Antonio Porchia, 1943The spirit of revolution, the spirit of insurrection, is a spirit radically opposed to liberty.
—François Guizot, 1830It is impossible to please all the world and one’s father.
—Jean de La Fontaine, 1668Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.
—Book of Job, c. 600 BCA frenzied passion for art is a canker that devours everything else.
—Charles Baudelaire, 1852Being offended is the natural consequence of leaving one’s home.
—Fran Lebowitz, 1981