Roger Ascham

People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

He was dull in a new way, and that made many think him great.

Children are all foreigners.

The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.

The great advantages of simulation and dissimulation are three. First to lay asleep opposition and to surprise. For where a man’s intentions are published, it is an alarum to call up all that are against them. The second is to reserve a man’s self a fair retreat: for if a man engage himself, by a manifest declaration, he must go through, or take a fall. The third is, the better to discover the mind of another. For to him that opens himself, men will hardly show themselves adverse; but will fair let him go on, and turn their freedom of speech to freedom of thought.

Is not marriage an open question, when it is alleged, from the beginning of the world, that such as are in the institution wish to get out, and such as are out wish to get in?

A man of genius has been seldom ruined but by himself.

To cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life.

He is a modest little man who has a good deal to be modest about.

Wherever you are, be there totally.

Be a little careful about your library. Do you foresee what you will do with it? Very little to be sure. But the real question is, What it will do with you?

The highest compact we can make with our fellow is – Let there be truth between us two forevermore.

To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs.

The avarice person is ever in want; let your desired aim have a fixed limit.

He has the deed half done who has made a beginning.