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Quotes

Writing cannot express words fully; words cannot express thoughts fully.

—The Book of Changes, c. 350 BC

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, 1851

An election is coming. Universal peace is declared, and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry.

—George Eliot, 1866

Because 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 BC

If not us, who? If not now, when?

—Czech slogan, 1989

Today’s friend may be tomorrow’s foe.

—Sophocles, 440 BC

I find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise.

—Thomas Jefferson, 1789

I know what I have given you. I do not know what you have received.

—Antonio Porchia, 1943

The spirit of revolution, the spirit of insurrection, is a spirit radically opposed to liberty.

—François Guizot, 1830

It is impossible to please all the world and one’s father.

—Jean de La Fontaine, 1668

Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.

—Book of Job, c. 600 BC

A frenzied passion for art is a canker that devours everything else.

—Charles Baudelaire, 1852

Being offended is the natural consequence of leaving one’s home.

—Fran Lebowitz, 1981