We do not what we ought,
What we ought not, we do,
And lean upon the thought
That Chance will bring us through. -Matthew Arnold, Empedocles on Etna
Constancy is the foundation of virtues. -Francis Bacon, De Augmentia Scientiarum Pt. i, bk. vi, sec. 23
If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. -Francis Bacon, Advancement of Learning Bk. i
It is sufficiently clear that all things are changed, and nothing really perishes, and that the sum of matter remains absolutely the same. -Francis Bacon, De Natura Rerum
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books may also be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others. -Francis Bacon, Essays "Of Studies"
Rugged the breast that beauty cannot tame. -John Codrington Bampfylde, "Sonnet in Praise of Delia"
No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings. -William Blake, Proverbs of Hell
If you get simple beauty and naught else,
You get about the best thing God invents. -Robert Browning, Fra Lippo Lippi
Make no little plans: they have no magic to stir men's blood . . . make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to taht tender light
Which heaven to gaudy days denies. -George Gordon, Lord Byron, Hebrew Melodies "She Walks in Beauty"
You are successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile good. -Charles Carlson