The Notes (25 page)

I
t’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.

Cicero

44 B.C.—The great affairs of life are not performed by physical strength or activity, or nimbleness of body, but by deliberation, character, expression of opinion. Of these old age is not only not deprived, but as a rule, has them in greater degree.

D
o not hold the delusion that your advancement is accomplished by crushing others.

Seneca

T
he foundation of true joy is the conscience.

Pericles

A
man who takes no interest in public affairs is not a man who minds his own business. We say he has no business being here at all.

Marcus Antonius

L
ook well unto thyself; there is a source which will always spring up if thou wilt always search there.

Confucius

T
he interior man seeks what is right; the inferior one what is profitable.

Arabian Honey

I
n seeking honey expect the sting of bees.

Thomas Macaulay

T
he measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Talmud

W
ho is wise? He who learns from everybody. Who is strong? He who conquers self. Who is rich? He who is satisfied with what he has. Who is honored? He who is honored by his neighbors.

Scotch Ballad

I
am hurt but I am not slain—I’ll lie me down & bleed a while & then I’ll fight again.

Aristotle

E
d. is the best provision for old age.

Leonard Read

P
erfect communication pre-supposes the perfect sayer & the perfect listener, neither one of whom ever existed. Worlds apart? Not necessarily—many are just words apart.