A human being is a part of the whole, called by us “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
That should be considered long which can be decided but once.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
The last change in our point of view gives the whole world a pictorial air.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past and the future.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
Chase after the truth like all hell and you’ll free yourself, even though you never touch its coat-tails.
—Clarence Darrow (1857–1938) American Civil Liberties Lawyer
Spiritual force is stronger than material force; thoughts rule the world.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
The human consciousness is really homogeneous. There is no complete forgetting, even in death.
—D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930) English Novelist, Playwright, Poet, Essayist, Critic
A man is literally what he thinks.
—James Lane Allen (1849–1925) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
Think then act safely.
—Unknown
Ninety-nine percent of the troubles that threaten our civilization come from too optimistic accounting. And yet these damn accountants with their desire for mathematical purity want to devote exactly as much attention to accounting that is too pessimistic as they do to accounting that is too optimistic — which is crazy. Ninety-nine percent of the problems come from being too optimistic. Therefore, we should have a system where the accounting is way more conservative.
—Charlie Munger (1924–2023) American Investor, Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman
We do not remember days, we remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.
—Cesare Pavese (1908–50) Italian Novelist, Poet, Critic, Translator
Consciousness is a phase of mental life which arises in connection with the formation of new habits. When habit is formed, consciousness only interferes to spoil our performance.
—William Ralph Inge (1860–1954) English Anglican Clergyman, Priest, Mystic
Thought is a kind of opium; it can intoxicate us, while still broad awake; it can make transparent the mountains and everything that exists.
—Henri Frederic Amiel (1821–81) Swiss Moral Philosopher, Poet, Critic
Oversleeping will never make one’s dreams come true.
—Unknown
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draws it. Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves.
—Buddhist Teaching
All truly wise thoughts have been thought already thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take firm root in our personal experience.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Think. Think about your appearance, associations, actions, ambitions, accomplishment.
—Thomas J. Watson, Sr. (1874–1956) American Business Executive
Man is but a reed, the most feeble thing in nature; but he is a thinking reed. The entire universe need not arm itself to crush him. A vapour, a drop of water suffices to kill him. But, if the Universe were to crush him, man would still be more noble than that which killed him, because he knows that he dies and the advantage which the universe has over him; the universe knows nothing of this.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
I’ve known countless people who were reservoirs of learning, yet never had a thought.
—Wilson Mizner (1876–1933) American Dramatist
The correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting — no more — and then it motivates one towards originality and instills the desire for truth.
—Plutarch (c.46–c.120 CE) Greek Biographer, Philosopher
The best memory is that which forgets nothing, but injuries. Write kindness in marble and write injuries in the dust.
—Persian Proverb
I have condemned Khomeini’s fatwa to kill Salman Rushdie as a breach of international relations and as an assault on Islam as we know it in the era of apostasy. I believe that the wrong done by Khomeini towards Islam and the Muslims is no less than that done by the author himself. As regards freedom of expression, I have said that it must be considered sacred and that thought can only be corrected by counter-thought. During the debate, I supported the boycott of the book as a means of maintaining social peace, granted that such a decision would not be used as a pretext to constrain thought.
—Naguib Mahfouz (1911–2006) Egyptian Novelist
There is nothing so unthinkable as thought, unless it be the entire absence of thought.
—Samuel Butler (1835–1902) British Victorian Novelist, Essayist, Critic
Some thoughts always find us young, and keep us so. Such a thought is the love of the universal and eternal beauty.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Tell your boss what you think of him and the truth shall set you free.
—Unknown
Great thoughts always come from the heart.
—Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues (1715–47) French Moralist, Essayist, Writer
Thought the mind can justify itself faster than the speed of light, it can be stopped through the act of writing.
—Byron Katie (b.1942) American Speaker, Author
An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.
—Buddhist Teaching
Good thoughts are blessed guests, and should be heartily welcomed, well fed, and much sought after. Like rose leaves, they give out a sweet smell if laid up in the jar of memory.
—Charles Spurgeon (1834–92) English Baptist Preacher
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