John Lancaster Spalding quotes - page 5

Insight makes argument ridiculous. (John Lancaster Spalding)
It is difficult to be sure of our friends, but it is possible to be certain of our loyalty to them. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
As our power over others increases, we become less free; for to retain it, we must make ourselves its servants. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
We are not masters of the truth which is borne in upon us: it overpowers us. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
If thou wouldst be implacable, be so with thyself. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
To secure approval one must remain within the bounds of conventional mediocrity. Whatever lies beyond, whether it be greater insight and virtue, or greater stolidity and vice, is condemned. The noblest men, like the worst criminals, have been done to death. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
In giving us dominion over the animal kingdom God has signified His will that we subdue the beast within ourselves. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
A gentleman does not appear to know more or to be more than those with whom he is thrown into company. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
Base thy life on principle, not on rules. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
To view an object in the proper light we must stand away from it. The study of the classical literatures gives the aloofness which cultivates insight. In learning to live with peoples and civilizations that have long ceased to be alive, we gain a vantage point, acquire an enlargement and elevation of thought, which enable us to study with a more impartial and liberal mind the condition of the society around us. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
It is a common error to imagine that to be stirring and voluble in a worthy cause is to be good and to do good. (John Lancaster Spalding)
As the visit of one we love makes the whole day pleasant, so is it illumined and made fair by a brave and beautiful thought. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
Those subjects have the greatest educational value, which are richest in incentives to the noblest self-activity. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
It is the expensiveness of our pleasures that makes the world poor and keeps us poor in ourselves. If we could but learn to find enjoyment in the things of the mind, the economic problems would solve themselves. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
A Wise man knows that much of what he says and does is commonplace and trivial. His thoughts are not all solemn and sacred in his own eyes. He is able to laugh at himself and is not offended when others make him a subject whereon to exercise their wit. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
The common prejudice against philosophy is the result of the incapacity of the multitude to deal with the highest problems. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
To think profoundly, to seek and speak truth, to love justice and denounce wrong is to draw upon one's self the ill will of many. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
Be watchful lest thou lose the power of desiring and loving what appeals to the soul this is the miser's curse this the chain and ball the sensualist drags. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
When we have attained success, we see how inferior it is to the hope, yearning and enthusiasm with which we started forth in life's morning. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
The fields and the flowers and the beautiful faces are not ours, as the stars and the hills and the sunlight are not ours, but they give us fresh and happy thoughts. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
The will the one thing it is most important to educate we neglect. (John Lancaster Spalding)
Do definite good; first of all to yourself, then to definite persons. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
Leave each one his touch of folly; it helps to lighten life's burden which, if he could see himself as he is, might be too heavy to carry. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
The highest courage is to dare to appear to be what one is. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding
The strong man is he who knows how and is able to become and be himself; the magnanimous man is he who, being strong, knows how and is able to issue forth from himself, as from a fortress, to guide, protect, encourage, and save others. View quote
John Lancaster Spalding