Bad men are full of repentance.
¶ (Attributed)
Quotations by ...
Aristotle (384-322 BC) Greek philosopher
It is the mark of an instructed mind to rest satisfied with the degree of precision which the nature of the subject admits and not to seek exactness where only an approximation is possible.
¶ (Attributed)
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
¶ (Attributed)
Humor is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor; for a subject which will not bear raillery is suspicious, and a jest which will not bear serious examination is false wit.
¶ (Attributed)
Whatsoever that be within us that feels, thinks, desires, and animates, is something celestial, divine, and, consequently, imperishable.
¶ (Attributed)
The gods, too, are fond of a joke.
¶ (Attributed)
Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them.
¶ (Attributed)
How many a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to define their terms?
¶ (Attributed)
There is a foolish corner in the brain of the wisest man.
¶ (Attributed)
Anyone can become angry -- that is easy, but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way -- that is not easy.
¶ Nichomachean Ethics (c. 350 BC)
Hence a young man is not a proper hearer of lectures on political science; for he is inexperienced in the actions that occur in life, but its discussions start from these and are about these; and, further, since he tends to follow his passions, his study will be vain and unprofitable, because the end aimed at is not knowledge but action.
¶ Nichomachean Ethics I:3: 1095a2-5
It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen
¶ Nicomachean Ethics (325 BC)
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.
¶ Nicomachean Ethics (c. 350 BC)
The generality of men are naturally apt to be swayed by fear rather than reverence, and to refrain from evil rather because of the punishment that it brings than because of its own foulness.
¶ Nicomachean Ethics, bk. 10, ch. 9
The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold.
¶ On the Heavens, Book I, ch. v
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side
¶ Politics
Well begun is half done.
¶ Politics (c. 350 BC)
There is no great genius without a touch of madness.
¶ “De Tranquillitate Animi” (On Tranquility of Mind), sec. 17.10
Attributed by Seneca
About WIST
WIST is my collection of quotations I find meaningful, moving, amusing (intended or not), well-phrased, and/or to which I just say I "Wish I'd Said That." But just because I quote it here doesn't mean I actually agree with it. If you have any comments, corrections, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to
Quote Search
Use the Fast Search search box to look for text in quotations or their sources.
To search for an author, go to the All Authors page. Or you can also use the custom Google search below for quotes and authors:
Quotes by Author
WIST Info
Powered by
Movable Type 4.01
Movable Type 4.01