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Quotes

Nature is often hidden, sometimes overcome, seldom extinguished.

—Francis Bacon, 1625

Superstitions are habits rather than beliefs.

—Marlene Dietrich, 1962

No woman needs intercourse; few women escape it.

—Andrea Dworkin, 1978

In our family, as far as we are concerned, we were born and what happened before that is myth.

—V.S. Pritchett, 1968

An American will build a house in which to pass his old age and sell it before the roof is on.

—Alexis de Tocqueville, 1840

Fear is the foundation of most governments. 

—John Adams, 1776

Friendship is a plant that loves the sun—thrives ill under clouds.

—Bronson Alcott, 1872

One sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak.

—G.K. Chesterton, 1911

It is a certain sign of a wise government and proceeding, when it can hold men’s hearts by hopes, when it cannot by satisfaction.

—Francis Bacon, 1625

Why is not a rat as good as a rabbit? Why should men eat shrimps and neglect cockroaches?

—Henry Ward Beecher, 1862

Commerce has made all winds her ministers.

—John Sterling, 1843

One’s body, hair, and skin are a gift from one’s parents—do not dare to allow them to be harmed.

—Classic of Filial Piety, c. 200 BC

I shall curse you with book and bell and candle.

—Thomas Malory, c. 1470