The tragedy of life is not so much what men suffer, but rather what they miss.
¶ (Attributed)
Quotations by ...
Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) Scottish essayist and historian
The block of granite which was an obstacle in the path of the weak, becomes a steppingstone in the path of the strong.
¶ (Attributed)
Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.
¶ (Attributed)
Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure that there is one rascal less in the world.
¶ (Attributed)
This can also be found quoted as "one less rascal" and "one less scoundrel." I cannot find an original source for it.
His religion at best is an anxious wish -- like that of Rabelais, a great Perhaps.
¶ Edinburgh Review, "Burns" (1828)
In every object there is inexhaustible meaning; the eye sees in it what the eye brings means of seeing.
¶ History of the French Revolution, Vol. I (1837)
The fine arts once divorcing themselves from truth are quite certain to fall mad, if they do not die.
¶ Latter Day Pamphlet, No. 8 (1850)
The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.
¶ London and Westminster Review, "Varnhagen von Ense's Memoirs" (1838)
Every new opinion, at its starting, is precisely in a minority of one.
¶ On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History (1840)
The greatest of faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.
¶ On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History, "The Heroic in History: (1840)
Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity there are a hundred that will stand adversity.
¶ On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History, Lecture V, "The Hero as a Man of Letters" (1840)
Tell a man he is brave, and you help him to become so.
¶ Past and Present (1843)
Democracy means despair of ever finding any heroes to govern you, and contentedly putting up with the want of them.
¶ Past and Present (1843)
Trust not the heart of that man for whom old clothes are not venerable.
¶ Sartor Resartus (1833)
I do not believe in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.
¶ The Age of Reason, "The Author's Profession of Faith"
Can there be a more horrible object in existence than an eloquent man not speaking the truth?
¶ Address as Lord Rector of Edinburgh University (1866)
I grow daily to honor facts more and more, and theory less and less.
¶ Letter to Emerson (29 Apr. 1836)
Manhood begins when we have in any way made truce with Necessity; begins even when we have surrendered to Necessity, as the most part only do; but begins joyfully and hopefully only when we have reconciled ourselves to Necessity; and thus, in reality, triumphed over it, and felt that in Necessity we are free.
¶ “Burns” (book review), Edinburgh Review, #96 (1828)
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
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