Henri Frédéric Amiel

“To know how to grow old is the masterwork of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.”

“Analysis kills spontaneity. The grain once ground into flour springs and germinates no more.”

“Learn to limit yourself, to content yourself with some definite thing, and some definite work; dare to be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not and to believe in your own individuality.”

“Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.”

“Doing easily what others find difficult is talent; doing what is impossible for talent is genius.”

“The man who has no inner life is a slave to his surroundings.”

“Without passion, man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.”

“Destiny has two ways to ruin us - by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them.”

“Uncertainty is the refuge of hope.”

“Work is not man's punishment. It is his reward and his strength and his pleasure.”