In the works of man as in those of nature, it is the intention which is chiefly worth studying.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Would that well-thinking people should be replaced by thinking ones.
—Natalie Clifford Barney (1876–1972) American Playwright, Poet, Novelist
The greatest events occur without intention playing any part in them; chance makes good mistakes and undoes the most carefully planned undertaking. The world’s greatest events are not produced, they happen.
—Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742–99) German Philosopher, Physicist
I am sure of nothing so little as my own intentions.
—Lord Byron (George Gordon Byron) (1788–1824) English Romantic Poet
What is the quality of your intent?
—Thurgood Marshall (1908–93) American Jurist
No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he’d only had good intentions. He had money as well.
—Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) British Head of State
Moral of the Work. In war: resolution. In defeat: defiance. In victory: magnanimity. In peace: goodwill.
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965) British Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Journalist, Author
His designs were strictly honorable, as the phrase is; that is, to rob a lady of her fortune by way of marriage.
—Henry Fielding (1707–54) English Novelist, Dramatist
Good intentions are very mortal and perishable things; like very mellow and choice fruit they are difficult to keep.
—Charles Simmons (1924–2017) American Editor, Novelist
Right intention is to the actions of a man what the soul is to the body, or the root to the tree.
—Jeremy Taylor
Hell is paved with good intentions, not with bad ones. All men mean well.
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) Irish Playwright
The failures of life come from resting in good intentions, which are in vain unless carried out in wise action.
—Charles Simmons (1924–2017) American Editor, Novelist
Leave a Reply