As is our confidence, so is our capacity.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
He that seeks trouble always finds it.
—English Proverb
Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
I have learned to use the word impossible with the greatest caution.
—Wernher von Braun (1912–77) German-born American Engineer, Scientist
For myself, I am an optimist — it does not seem to be much use being anything else.
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965) British Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Journalist, Author
Every person in the world may not become a personage. But every person may become a personality. The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Interesting thoughts can live only in cultivated minds. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good plays at the theater, good company, good conversation-what are they? They are the happiest people in the world; and they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of happiness in others.
—William Lyon Phelps (1865–1943) American Literary Scholar, Academic
Man’s rise or fall, success or failure, happiness or unhappiness depends on his attitude … a man’s attitude will create the situation he imagines.
—Muhammad Ali (1942–2016) American Sportsperson
Our self-image strongly held essentially determines what we become.
—Maxwell Maltz (1899–1975) American Surgeon, Motivational Writer
When you have vision it affects your attitude. Your attitude is optimistic rather than pessimistic.
—Chuck Swindoll (b.1934) American Evangelical Christian Pastor, Author
Circumstances—what are circumstances? I make circumstances.
—Napoleon I (1769–1821) Emperor of France
There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist, except an old optimist.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
What you think means more than anything else in your life.
—George Matthew Adams (1878–1962) American Columnist, Journalist
Misfortunes occur only when a man is false… Events, circumstances, etc., have their origin in ourselves. They spring from seeds which we have sown.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
The more wary you are of danger, the more likely you are to meet it.
—Jean de La Fontaine (1621–95) French Poet, Short Story Writer
Optimism is the content of small men in high places.
—F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) American Novelist
The year’s at the spring
And day’s at the morn;
Morning’s at seven;
The hillside’s dew-pearled;
The lark’s on the wing;
The snail’s on the thorn:
God’s in his heaven—
All’s right with the world!
—Robert Browning (1812–89) English Poet
A man who calls bullshit fertilizer.
—Frank Lane (1896–1981) American Sportsperson, Businessperson
Optimism is the opium of the people.
—Milan Kundera (b.1929) Czech Novelist
What after all has maintained the human race on this old globe despite all the calamities of nature and all the tragic failings of mankind, if not faith in new possibilities and courage to advocate them?
—Jane Addams (1860–1935) American Social Reformer, Feminist
Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope.
And you can do it when things are tough.
—Richard DeVos (1926–2018) American Businessman, Philanthropist
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
—George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans) (1819–80) English Novelist
OPTIMISM: A kind of heart stimulant—the digitalis of failure.
—Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915) American Writer, Publisher, Artist, Philosopher
The confidence we have in ourselves arises in a great measure from that which we have in others.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
If you think it’s going to rain, it will.
—Clint Eastwood (b.1930) American Film Director, Film Producer, Film Actor
Miracles never cease to amaze me. I expect them, but their consistent arrival is always delightful to experience.
—Mark Victor Hansen (b.1948) American Public Speaker, Motivational Speaker, Writer
Each of us makes his own weather, determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits.
—Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979) American Catholic Religious Leader, Theologian
LIFE’S MIRROR
There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true,
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.
Give love, and love to your life will flow,
A strength in your utmost need,
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your word and deed.
Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind;
And honor will honor meet;
And a smile that is sweet will surely find
A smile that is just as sweet.
Give pity and sorrow to those who mourn,
You will gather in flowers again
The scattered seeds from your thoughts outborne
Though the sowing seemed but vain.
For life is the mirror of king and slave,
‘Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.
—Mary Ainge de Vere (Madeline S. Bridges) (1844–1920) American Poet, Author
The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him.
—Henry L. Stimson (1867–1950) American Political leader, Military Leader, Lawyer
I make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes.
—Sara Teasdale (1884–1933) American Poet
I believe that man will not merely endure; he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among the creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of kindness and compassion.
—William Faulkner (1897–1962) American Novelist
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