Journeys, like artists, are born and not made. A thousand differing circumstances contribute to them, few of them willed or determined by the will—whatever we may think.
—Lawrence Durrell, 1957
Archive
Quotes
Nothing but a permanent body can check the imprudence of democracy.
—Alexander Hamilton, 1787A 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. 100Despotism subjects a nation to one tyrant—democracy to many.
—Marguerite Gardiner, 1839Fate leads the willing and drags along those who hang back.
—Cleanthes, c. 250 BCIt is shameful and inhuman to treat men like chattels to make money by, or to regard them merely as so much muscle or physical power.
—Pope Leo XIII, 1891A false report rides post.
—English proverbLord, I do not ask that thou shouldst give me wealth; only show me where it is, and I will attend to the rest.
—Kate Douglas Wiggin, 1898What hath night to do with sleep?
—John Milton, 1637Fame will go by and, so long, I’ve had you, fame. If it goes by, I’ve always known it was fickle. So at least it’s something I experienced, but that’s not where I live.
—Marilyn Monroe, 1962A change of fortune hurts a wise man no more than a change of the moon.
—Benjamin Franklin, 1732Alcohol is the monarch of liquids.
—Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, 1825The Church says that the earth is flat, but I know that it is round, for I have seen the shadow on the moon, and I have more faith in the shadow than in the Church.
—Ferdinand Magellan, c. 1510