Arthur Helps Quotes
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Our knowledge of human nature is for the most part empirical; and it would often be better, if, instead of endeavouring to say some new things ourselves, we were to confirm without more words the sayings of another.
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Any one who is much talked of, must be much maligned. This seems to be a harsh conclusion; but when you consider how much more given men are to depreciate than to appreciate, you will acknowledge that there is some truth in the saying.
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It takes a great man to make a great listener.
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You cannot ensure the gratitude of others for a favour conferred upon them in the way which is most agreeable to yourself.
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The envious man desires some good which another possesses; the jealous man would often be content to be without the good so that that other did not possess it.
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I do not know any way so sure of making others happy as of being so oneself, to begin with.
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Self-indulgence takes many forms; and we should bear in mind that there may be a sullen sensuality as well as a gay one.
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The apparent foolishness of others is but too frequently our own ignorance.
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War may be the game of kings, but, like the games at ancient Rome, it is generally exhibited to please and pacify the people.
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People resemble still more the time in which they live, than they resemble their fathers.
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It is in length of patience, endurance and forbearance that so much of what is good in mankind and womankind is shown.
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Do not be deceived into thinking that how a man acts is the full picture.
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Do not shun this maxim because it is common-place. On the contrary, take the closest heed of what observant men, who would probably like to show originality, are yet constrained to repeat. Therein lies the marrow of the wisdom of the world.
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A man's action is only a picture book of his creed.
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Every happiness is a hostage to fortune.
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The most enthusiastic man in a cause is rarely chosen as the leader.
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The thing which makes one man greater than another, the quality by which we ought to measure greatness, is a man's capacity for loving.
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He who is continually changing his point of view sees more, and more clearly, than one who, statue-like, forever stands upon the same pedestal; however lofty and well-placed that pedestal may be.
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Tolerance is the only real test of civilization.
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In a balanced organization, working towards a common objective, there is success.
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If you are often deceived by those around you, you may be sure that you deserve to be deceived; and that instead of railing at the general falseness of mankind, you have first to pronounce judgment on your own jealous tyranny, or on your own weak credulity.
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There are no better cosmetics than a severe temperance and purity, modesty and humility, a gracious temper and calmness of spirit; and there is no true beauty without the signatures of these graces in the very countenance.
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A mixture of admiration and pity is one of the surest recipes for affection.
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If you would understand your own age, read the works of fiction produced in it. People in disguise speak freely.