The best books for a man are not always those which the wise recommend, but often those which meet the peculiar wants, the natural thirst of his mind, and therefore awaken interest and rivet thought.

Quote by William Ellery Channing

Topics: Books Quotes

Undoubtedly a man is to labor to better his condition, but first to better himself.

Undoubtedly a man is to labor to better his condition, but first to better himself.

True love is the parent of humility.

True love is the parent of humility.

It is not the quantity but the quality of knowledge which determines the mind's dignity.

It is not the quantity but the quality of knowledge which determines the mind's dignity.

We look forward to the time when the power to love will replace the love...

We look forward to the time when the power to love will replace the love...

Error is discipline through which we advance.

Error is discipline through which we advance.

Influence is to be measured, not by the extent of surface it covers, but by...

Influence is to be measured, not by the extent of surface it covers, but by...

It is far more important to me to preserve an unblemished conscience than to compass...

It is far more important to me to preserve an unblemished conscience than to compass...

The great hope of society is in individual character.

The great hope of society is in individual character.

Nothing which has entered into our experience is ever lost.

Nothing which has entered into our experience is ever lost.

It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds, and these invaluable...

It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds, and these invaluable...

The office of government is not to confer happiness, but to give men the opportunity...

The office of government is not to confer happiness, but to give men the opportunity...

Great minds are to make others great. Their superiority is to be used, not to...

Great minds are to make others great. Their superiority is to be used, not to...

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by...

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by...

Life has a higher end, than to be amused.

Life has a higher end, than to be amused.

No one should part with their individuality and become that of another.

No one should part with their individuality and become that of another.

How easy to be amiable in the midst of happiness and success.

How easy to be amiable in the midst of happiness and success.

We smile at the ignorance of the savage who cuts down the tree in order...

We smile at the ignorance of the savage who cuts down the tree in order...

All noble enthusiasms pass through a feverish stage, and grow wiser and more serene.

All noble enthusiasms pass through a feverish stage, and grow wiser and more serene.

Each of us is meant to have a character all our own, to be what...

Each of us is meant to have a character all our own, to be what...

No power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down,...

No power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down,...