All wisdom is plagiarism; only stupidity is original.

— Hugh Kerr

If the mind is happy, not only the body but the whole world will be happy. So one must find out how to become happy oneself. Wanting to reform the world without discovering one’s true self is like trying to cover the whole world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes.

— Ramana Maharshi

In this age of defending and demanding rights, we are often faced with the question of who holds us back more than anyone else . . . and in all honesty we must admit we are the ones. We narrow our vision and develop hopeless attitudes to defeat us. And yet, we are the ones who speed us on as well. Our good attitudes keep us moving and active and able to do everything without reacting to the smallest incident as a barrier in our way. We are willing to work, to initiate and set in motion the good of life, and do it by not stepping on others. We keep a constant vigil over our thoughts and actions. In this way we follow our ‘lo qui si,’ star, and reach up that we may lift others up with us.

— Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent.

— Jean Kerr

For thirty years I used to say, “Do this” and “Give that”; but when I reached the first stage of wisdom, I said, “O God, be mine and do whatever You want.”

— Abu Yazid Al-Bismati

Character is always lost when a high ideal is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.

— Anonymous

If you want a place in the sun, you must leave the shade of the family tree.

— Osage Proverb

A man’s greatness is measured by his kindness; his education and intellect by his modesty. His ignorance is betrayed by his suspicions and prejudices, and his real caliber is measured by the consideration and tolerance he has for others.

— W. J. H. Boetker