When the fight begins within himself, a man’s worth something.
—Robert Browning (1812–89) English Poet
Whenever you’re in conflict with someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude.
—William James (1842–1910) American Philosopher, Psychologist, Physician
I cannot divine how it happens that the man who knows the least is the most argumentative.
—Giovanni della Casa (1503–56) Italian Poet, Clergyman
Any coward can fight a battle when he’s sure of winning, but give me the man who has pluck to fight when he’s sure of losing. That’s my way, sir; and there are many victories worse than a defeat.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
The fibers of all things have their tension and are strained like the strings of an instrument.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few.
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965) British Leader, Historian, Journalist, Author
It is the eternal struggle between these two principles—right and wrong. They are the two principles that have stood face to face from the beginning of time and will ever continue to struggle. It is the same spirit that says, “You work and toil and earn bread, and I’ll eat it.”
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
The effect of violent dislike between groups has always created an indifference to the welfare and honor of the state.
—Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay (1800–59) English Historian, Essayist, Philanthropist
Only by pride comes contention; but, with the well-advised is wisdom.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Never ascribe to an opponent motives meaner than your own.
—J. M. Barrie (1860–1937) Scottish Novelist, Dramatist
We must become acquainted with our emotional household: we must see our feelings as they actually are, not as we assume they are. This breaks their hypnotic and damaging hold on us.
—Vernon Howard (1918–92) American Author, Philosopher
We are the prisoners of ideas.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
There can be no reconciliation where there is no open warfare. There must be a battle, a brave boisterous battle, with pennants waving and cannon roaring, before there can be peaceful treaties and enthusiastic shaking of hands.
—Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1835–1915) English Novelist
Let us move from the era of confrontation to the era of negotiation.
—Richard Nixon (1913–94) American Head of State, Lawyer
What people need and what they want may be very different.
—Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915) American Writer, Publisher, Artist, Philosopher
Comedy comes from conflict, from hatred.
—Warren Mitchell (1926–2015) English Actor
We have met the enemy and it is us.
—Walt Kelly (1913–73) American Cartoonist
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
A man can do what he wants, but not want what he wants.
—Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) German Philosopher
Well, if I called the wrong number, why did you answer the phone?
—James Thurber
All quiet along the Potomac to-night, no sound save the rush of the river, while soft falls the dew on the face of the dead, the picket’s off duty forever.
—Ethel Lynn Beers (1827–79) American Poet
It’s when you’re safe at home that you wish you were having an adventure. When you’re having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
—Thornton Wilder (1897–1975) American Novelist, Playwright
The war existing between the senses and reason.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
No matter how big a nation is, it is no stronger that its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise.
—Marian Anderson (1897–1993) American Singer, Activist
Our greatest foes, and whom we must chiefly combat, are within.
—Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) Spanish Novelist
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Insight into the two selves within a man clears up many confusions and contradictions. It was our understanding that preceded our victory.
—Vernon Howard (1918–92) American Author, Philosopher
Commonly they must use their feet for defense whose only weapon is their tongue.
—Philip Sidney (1554–86) English Soldier Poet, Courtier
I believe in getting into hot water. I think it keeps you clean.
—G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936) English Journalist, Novelist, Essayist, Poet
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