We smile at the ignorance of the savage who cuts down the tree in order to reach its fruit; but the same blunder is made by every person who is over eager and impatient in the pursuit of pleasure.

Quote by William Ellery Channing

Topics: William Ellery Channing Quotes

God be thanked for books; they are the voices of the distant and the dead,...

God be thanked for books; they are the voices of the distant and the dead,...

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...

Do anything rather than give yourself to reverie.

Do anything rather than give yourself to reverie.

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...

God is another name for human intelligence raised above all error and imperfection, and extended...

God is another name for human intelligence raised above all error and imperfection, and extended...

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.

Life has a higher end,than to be amused.

Life has a higher end,than to be amused.

Life has a higher end, than to be amused.

Life has a higher end, than to be amused.

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...

He who is false to the present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and...

He who is false to the present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and...

Ideas are the mightiest influence on earth. One great thought breathed into a man may...

Ideas are the mightiest influence on earth. One great thought breathed into a man may...

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

Our leading principle in interpreting Scripture is this, that the Bible is a book written...

Our leading principle in interpreting Scripture is this, that the Bible is a book written...

It is chiefly through books that we enjoy the communion with superior minds... In the...

It is chiefly through books that we enjoy the communion with superior minds... In the...

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather...

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather...

Nothing which has entered into our experience is ever lost.

Nothing which has entered into our experience is ever lost.

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,...

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.

The world is governed by opinion.

The world is governed by opinion.

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...