Life and Literature Part 125

--_From the French._

1734

You say, not always wisely, Know thyself!

Know others, ofttimes is the better maxim.

--_Menander, Born 342 B. C._

1735

No object is more pleasing to the eye than the sight of a man whom you have obliged; nor any music so agreeable to the ear, as the voice of one that owns you for his benefactor.

1736

Self-laudation abounds among the unpolished, but nothing can stamp a man more sharply as ill-bred.

1737

We know what we are, but know not what we may be.

1738

Some persons have a prudent consideration for Number--one.

1739

Some persons can neither stir hand nor foot without making it clear they are thinking of themselves, and laying little traps for approbation.

--_S. Smith._

1740

We hardly find any persons of good sense, save those who agree with us!

1741

We find few sensible people, except those who are of our way of thinking.

1742

Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.

1743

The question was asked, "Why can we see other people's failings sooner than our own? and why can we give advice to others easier than follow it ourselves?" A sensible man asked in reply, "Why can our eyes see everything else but themselves?"

1744

What others say of me, matters little.

What I myself say and do, Matters much.

1745

Self-interest is but the survival of the animal in us. Humanity only begins for man with self-surrender.

--_Amiel._

1746

Did it ever strike you that continual mourning was multiplied selfishness?

--_Ursula._

1747

Take the selfishness out of the world and there would be more happiness than we should know what to do with.

--_H. W. Shaw._

1748

"There is no harm in being respected in this world, as I have found out," said Thackeray, "and if you don't brag a little for yourself, depend on it there is no person of your acquaintance who will tell the world of your merits, and take the trouble off your hands."

1749

Common sense among men born to fortune is rare.

--_Juvenal._

1750

He lacks sense who broods over the past.