The quote database

Human effort is not futile, but man fights against the giant forces of Nature in a spirit of humility.

The optimist cannot fall back, cannot falter; for he knows his neighbor will be hindered by his failure to keep in line.

As there are silent depths in the ocean which the fiercest storm cannot reach, so there are silent, holy depths in the heart of man which the storms of sin and sorrow can never disturb.

To be swayed by your fluctuating thoughts and impulses is to be weak and powerless; to rightly control and direct those forces is to be strong and powerful.

Give scrupulous attention to the duty of the present moment.

Fortune lashes and mangles us: well, let us endure it: it is not cruelty, it is a struggle, in which the oftener we engage the braver we shall become.

Misfortunes press hardest on those who are unacquainted with them: the yoke feels heavy to the tender neck.

Do not confound yourself by considering the whole of life, and by dwelling upon the multitude and greatness of the pains and troubles to which you may probably be exposed.

Recollect all you have passed through, all that you have had strength to bear.

When you do not know what to do or which way to turn, SMILE! This will relax your mind and let the sunshine of happiness into your soul.

Success is jealous of scattered energies.

If you want to change the world, start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud.

Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter.

Life is filled with circuses. You will fail. You will likely fail often. It will be painful. It will be discouraging. At times it will test you to your very core.

First comes the very extremity of distress, then follows unexpected relief.

Throw away, in the first place, all ambition beyond that of doing the day's work well.