Tis the sharpness of our mind that gives the edge — Montaigne

If virtue cannot shine bright, but by the conflict of contrary appetites, shall we then say that she cannot subsist without the assistance of vice, and that it is from her that she derives her reputation and honor? What kind of truth is it which has these mountains as its boundary and is a lie beyond them? There is scarcely any less bother in the running of a family than in that of an entire state. And domestic business is no less importunate for being less important. Essais (1580, ed. M. Rat, 1958) bk. 1, ch. 39 ♥ 2 The same reason that makes us wrangle with a neighbor, causes a war between princes.

Force is all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived. Abraham Lincoln Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute. George Bernard Shaw One dies only once, and it’s for such a long time! Le Dépit amoureux (performed 1656, published 1662) act 5, sc. 3 Molière Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation. Henry Kissinger