There is in stillness oft a magic power
To calm the breast when struggling passions lower,
Touched by its influence, in the soul arise
Diviner feelings, kindred with the skies.
—John Henry Newman (1801–90) British Theologian, Poet
Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.
—Anonymous
Peace of mind is that mental condition in which you have accepted the worst.
—Lin Yutang (1895–1976) Chinese Author, Philologist
If there is to be any peace it will come through being, not having.
—Henry Miller (1891–1980) American Novelist
Nothing can bring you peace but yourself. Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Smiling always with a never fading serenity of countenance, and flourishing in an immortal youth.
—Isaac Barrow
I have always preferred cheerfulness to mirth. The former is an act, the latter a habit of the mind. Mirth is short and transient; cheerfulness, fixed and permanent. Mirth is like a flash of lightning, that breaks through a gloom of clouds, and glitters for a moment. Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind, filling it with a steady and perpetual serenity.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Paradise is Where I Am.
—Voltaire (1694–1778) French Philosopher, Author
The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
—James Lane Allen (1849–1925) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter … a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.
—Henri Matisse (1869–1954) French Painter, Sculptor, Lithographer
This is a sane, wholesome, practical, working faith: That it is a man’s business to do the will of God; second, that God himself takes on the care of that man; and third, that therefore that man ought never to be afraid of anything.
—George MacDonald (1824–1905) Scottish Novelist, Lecturer, Poet
The only peace, the only security, is in fulfillment.
—Henry Miller (1891–1980) American Novelist
What all men are really after is some form, or perhaps only some formula, of peace.
—Joseph Conrad (1857–1924) Polish-born British Novelist
Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions.
—Gerald Jampolsky (b.1925) American Psychiatrist
Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.
—Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) Indian Head of State
A good conscience is to the soul what health is to the body; it preserves constant ease and serenity within us; and more than countervails all the calamities and afflictions which can befall us from without.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
I think that the ideal space must contain elements of magic, serenity, sorcery and mystery.
—Luis Barragan (1902–88) Mexican Engineer, Architect
Peace of mind comes from not wanting to change others.
—Gerald Jampolsky (b.1925) American Psychiatrist
In struggling against anguish one never produces serenity; the struggle against anguish only produces new forms of anguish.
—Simone Weil (1909–1943) French Philosopher, Political Activist
Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.
—Marcus Aurelius (121–180) Emperor of Rome, Stoic Philosopher
When we cannot find contentment in ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.
—Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American Clergyman, Self-Help Author
A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe.
—Wayne Dyer (1940–2015) American Self-Help Author
Every goal, every action, every thought, every feeling one experiences, whether it be consciously or unconsciously known, is an attempt to increase one’s level of peace of mind.
—Sidney Madwed (1926–2013) American Poet, Author
Like water, we are truest to our nature in repose.
—Cyril Connolly (1903–74) British Literary Critic, Writer
Perhaps, after all, our best thoughts come when we are alone. It is good to listen, not to voices but to the wind blowing, to the brook running cool over polished stones, to bees drowsy with the weight of pollen. If we attend to the music of the earth, we reach serenity. And then, in some unexplained way, we share it with others.
—Gladys Taber
Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no matter what the conflict.
—Unknown
I am searching for that which every man seeks—peace and rest.
—Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) Italian Poet, Philosopher
Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.
—Grenville Kleiser (1868–1935) Canadian Author
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