A beautiful eye makes silence eloquent, a kind eye makes contradiction an assent, an enraged eye makes beauty deformed. This little member gives life to every part about us; and I believe the story of Argu simplies no more, than the eye is in every part; that is to say, every other part would be mutilated, were not its force represented more by the eye than even by itself. Joseph Addison on beauty
Courage that grows from constitution often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it courage which arises from a sense of duty acts in a uniform manner. Joseph Addison on courage
A just and reasonable modesty does not only recommend eloquence, but sets off every great talent which a man can be possessed of. Joseph Addison on humility
Jesters do often prove prophets. Joseph Addison on humor
The stars shall fade away, the sun himself Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years, But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth, Unhurt amidst the wars of elements, The wrecks of matter, and the crush of worlds. Joseph Addison on immortality
To be perfectly just is an attribute of the divine nature; to be so to the utmost of our abilities, is the glory of man. Joseph Addison on justice
All sin tends to be addictive, and the terminal point of addiction is what is called damnation. W. H. Auden on addiction
A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep. W. H. Auden on education
Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh. W. H. Auden on love
A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world. Manly P. Hall on ethics
Experience teaches that men are often so much governed by what they are accustomed to see and practice, that the simplest and most obvious improvements, in the most ordinary occupations, are adopted with hesitation, reluctance, and by slow gradations. Men would resist changes, so long as even a bare support could be ensured by an adherence to ancient courses, and perhaps even longer. Alexander Hamilton on change
Power may justly be compared to a great river; while kept within its bounds it is both beautiful and useful, but when it overflows its banks, it is then too impetuous to be stemmed; it bears down all before it, and brings destruction and desolation wherever it comes. Andrew Hamilton on power
If we are to keep our democracy, there must be one commandment: "Thou shalt not ration justice." Learned Hand on justice
The excessive regard of parents for their children, and their dislike of other people's is, like class feeling, patriotism, save-your-soul-ism, and other virtues, a mean exclusiveness at bottom. Thomas Hardy on family
Yes; quaint and curious war is! You shoot a fellow down You'd treat if met where any bar is, Or help to half-a-crown. Thomas Hardy on war
Men think highly of those who rise rapidly in the world; whereas nothing rises quicker than dust, straw, and feathers. Hare and Charles on fame
Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn. Hare and Charles on seasons
Conferences at the top level are always courteous. Name-calling is left to the foreign ministers. Averell Harriman on diplomacy
Every man, either to his terror or consolation, has some sense of religion. James Harrington on religion
Treason doth never prosper: what's the reason? Why if it prosper, none dare call it treason. John Harrington on cunning