Gems of Wisdom & Virtue

I'm weary of conjectures, — this must end 'em.
Thus am I doubly armed: my death and life,
My bane and antidote, are both before me:
This in a moment brings me to an end;
But this informs me I shall never die.
The Soul, secured in her existence, smiles
At the drawn dagger, and defies its point.
The stars shall fade away, the sun himself
Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years;
But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth,
Unhurt amidst the war of elements,
The wrecks of matter, and the crush of worlds.

Joseph Addison.
 
It is of dangerous consequence to represent to man how near he is to the level of beasts, without showing him at the same time his greatness. It is likewise dangerous to let him see his greatness without his meanness.
It is more dangerous yet to leave him ignorant of either; but very beneficial that he should be made sensible of both.

Pascal
 
Book XVI of Bhagavad Gita
The Master Krishna said:
Valor, cleanness of heart, steadfast union with illumination, generous giving, control, sacrifice, study, fervor, righteousness,
Gentleness, truth, freedom from anger, detachment, peace, loyalty, pity for all beings, a chaste mind, mildness, modesty, steadfastness,
Fire, patience, firmness, purity, good-will, absence of conceit, these belong to him who is born to the godlike portion,
 
The gods in bounty work up storms about us,
That give mankind occasion to exert
Their hidden strength, and throw out into practice
Virtues that shun the day, and lie conceal'd
In the smooth seasons and the calms of life.

Joseph Addison d. 1719
 
Still in the paths of honour persevere,
And not from past nor present ills despair;
For blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds,
And, though a late, a sure reward succeeds.

William Congreve d. 1729
 
If common life is to be lived nobly and well ... it must be by common people exerting themselves as strenuously for some form of ideal excellence as they would for a great career; it must be by multitudes of common people living lives of greatness in obscurity without thought of applause or reward, but solely for the sake of the life itself, knowing it to be worth all it costs.

Lucien Price, in Another Athens Shall Arise
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top