327 Quotes by Christian Nestell Bovee

There are seaons when our passions have slept so long that we know not whether they still exist in us. So does flax forget that it is combustible when the fire is away from it.

The beauty seen is partly in him who sees it. [a predisposition to notice the beautiful, in everything.]

It is difficult to say which is the greatest evil--to have too violent passions, or to be wholly devoid of them. Controlled with firmness, guided by discretion, and hallowed by the imagination, the passions are the vivifiers and quickeners of our being. Without passion there can be no energy of character. Indeed, the passions are like fire, useful in a thousand ways, and dangerous only in one--through their excess.

Alas, the transports beauty can inspire!

Every war involves a greater or less relapse into barbarism. War, indeed, in its details, is the essence of inhumanity. It dehumanizes. It may save the state, but it destroys the citizen.

In a contest with a weaker party it is more honorable to yield than to force concession. Magnanimity becomes the strong.

Formerly when great fortunes were only made in war, war was business; but now when great fortunes are only made by business: Business is war!

The activity of the young is like that of railcars in motion--they tear along with noise and turmoil, and leave peace behind them. The quietest nooks, invaded by them, lose their quietude as they pass, and recover it only on their departure.

When we get tired of enjoying all the pleasures within our reach, we have still a resource in thinking of others that are not.