The Quotes canon
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Browse all 10,075 quotes or apply filters in different categories to narrow your search.
Browse all 10,075 quotes or apply filters in different categories to narrow your search.
Classical antiquity21 quotes
Know thyself. — ThalesSeize the day, put no trust in the morrow! — Horace · 23 BCBe like a headland of rock on which the waves break incessantly: but it stands fast and around it the seething of the waters sinks to rest. — Marcus Aurelius · 180You should hammer your iron when it is glowing hot. — Publilius Syrus · 43 BCWaste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one. — Marcus Aurelius · 180Travel light and you can sing in the robber's face. — Juvenal · 127All 21 quotes →The Renaissance18 quotes
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man. — William Shakespeare · 1616Eat no onions nor garlic, for we are to utter sweet breath. — William Shakespeare · 1599Press not a falling man too far! — William Shakespeare · 1613Weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath. — William Shakespeare · 1604While you live, tell truth and shame the devil! — William Shakespeare · 1597No profit grows where is no pleasure ta'en.
In brief, sir, study what you most affect. — William Shakespeare · 1594All 18 quotes →Colonial America15 quotes
Love your Neighbor; yet don't pull down your Hedge. — Benjamin Franklin · 1754Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that's the stuff life is made of. — Benjamin Franklin · 1746What you would seem to be, be really. — Benjamin Franklin · 1744Be slow in chusing a Friend, be slower in changing. — Benjamin Franklin · 1735Take counsel in Wine, but resolve afterwards in Water. — Benjamin Franklin · 1733If you’d lose a troublesome Visitor, lend him money. — Benjamin Franklin · 1744All 15 quotes →New Testament Era10 quotes
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. — Jesus · 60Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake. — 1st Timothy 5:23 · 64But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. — Jesus · 60Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. — James 4:8 · 49Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. — 1st Peter 5:8 · 65Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. — Jesus · 60All 10 quotes →Ancient World6 quotes
Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be defeated. — Sun Tzu · 475 BCDo not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. — Gautama Buddha · 511 BCAnd do thy duty, even if it be humble, rather than another's, even if it be great. To die in one's duty is life: to live in another's is death. — Bhagavad Gita · 200 BCHave no friends who are not of equal (moral) caliber. — Confucius · 221 BCLet people hold on to these:
Manifest plainness,
Embrace simplicity,
Reduce selfishness,
Have few desires. — Lao Tzu · 400 BCIn the presence of a good man, think all the time how you may learn to equal him. In the presence of a bad man, turn your gaze within. — Confucius · 221 BCAge of Enlightenment3 quotes
Never complain of that of which it is at all times in your power to rid yourself. — Adam Smith · 1759Sapere aude! Have the courage to use your own reason! This is the motto of the Enlightenment. — Immanuel Kant · 1784Do you wish people to think well of you? Don't say anything. — Blaise Pascal · 1662Ancient Egypt3 quotes
Do not set your heart on wealth…
Do not strain to seek increase,
What you have, let it suffice you.
If riches come by theft,
They will not stay the night with you….
They made themselves wings like geese,
And flew away to the sky. — Amenemope · 1075 BCDo not be arrogant because of your knowledge, but confer with the ignorant man as with the learned... Good speech is more hidden than malachite, yet it is found in the possession of women slaves at the millstones. — Ptahhotep · 2375 BCBe cheerful while you are alive. — Ptahhotep · 2375 BCOld Testament Era3 quotes
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. — Proverbs 3:5-6 · 686 BCGive strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. — Proverbs 31:6 · 686 BCAbove all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. — Proverbs 4:23 · 686 BCEarly Christianity1 quote
Hear the other side. — St. Augustine · 391Middle Ages1 quote
Let us not speak of them, but look, and pass on. — Dante Alighieri · 1321