What is popularly called fame is nothing but an empty name and a legacy from paganism.
—Erasmus, 1515
Archive
Quotes
Money, not morality, is the principle of commercial nations.
—Thomas JeffersonPeace is a natural effect of trade.
—Montesquieu, 1748Some nights are like honey—and some like wine—and some like wormwood.
—L.M. Montgomery, 1927My language is the common prostitute that I turn into a virgin.
—Karl Kraus, c. 1910There is no greater sorrow than to recall a happy time in the midst of wretchedness.
—Dante Alighieri, c. 1321The right to the pursuit of happiness is nothing else than the right to disillusionment phrased in another way.
—Aldous Huxley, 1956One should always have one’s boots on and be ready to leave.
—Michel de Montaigne, 1580The play is the tragedy “Man,” And its hero the conqueror worm.
—Edgar Allan Poe, 1843Talk to me about the truth of religion and I’ll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I’ll listen submissively. But don’t come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don’t understand.
—C.S. Lewis, 1961Madness need not be all breakdown. It may also be breakthrough.
—R.D. Laing, 1967Egypt was the mother of magicians.
—Clement of Alexandria, c. 200It is impossible to translate the poets. Can you translate music?
—Voltaire, c. 1732