Where one person shapes their life by precept and example, there are a thousand who have shaped it by impulse and circumstances.

Quote by James Russell Lowell

Topics: James Russell Lowell Quotes

Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.

Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.

Each day the world is born anew for him who takes it rightly.

Each day the world is born anew for him who takes it rightly.

If I were asked what book is better than a cheap book, I should answer...

If I were asked what book is better than a cheap book, I should answer...

Truth, after all, wears a different face to everybody, and it would be too tedious...

Truth, after all, wears a different face to everybody, and it would be too tedious...

Joy comes, grief goes, we know not how

Joy comes, grief goes, we know not how

It is not the insurrections of ignorance that are dangerous, but the revolts of the...

It is not the insurrections of ignorance that are dangerous, but the revolts of the...

Nature fits all her children with something to do, he who would write and can't...

Nature fits all her children with something to do, he who would write and can't...

No price is set on the lavish summer; June may be had by the poorest...

No price is set on the lavish summer; June may be had by the poorest...

In the ocean of baseness, the deeper we get, the easier the sinking.

In the ocean of baseness, the deeper we get, the easier the sinking.

He who is firmly seated in authority soon learns to think security, and not progress,...

He who is firmly seated in authority soon learns to think security, and not progress,...

Once to every person and nation come the moment to decide. In the conflict of...

Once to every person and nation come the moment to decide. In the conflict of...

Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but...

Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but...

Greatly begin. Though thou have time, but for a line, be that sublime. Not failure,...

Greatly begin. Though thou have time, but for a line, be that sublime. Not failure,...

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.

Though old the thought and oft expressed, 'Tis his at last who says it best

Though old the thought and oft expressed, 'Tis his at last who says it best

Not failure, but low aim, is crime.

Not failure, but low aim, is crime.

Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those...

Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those...

Good heavens, of what uncostly material is our earthly happiness composed... if we only knew...

Good heavens, of what uncostly material is our earthly happiness composed... if we only knew...

In heaven I yearn for knowledge, account all else inanity; On earth I confess an...

In heaven I yearn for knowledge, account all else inanity; On earth I confess an...

And among His Signs Is the creation of the heavens And the earth, and the...

And among His Signs Is the creation of the heavens And the earth, and the...