Riches do not constitute any claim to distinction. It is only the vulgar who admire riches as riches.
SAMUEL SMILESSelf-respect is the noblest garment with which a man can clothe himself, the most elevating feeling with which the mind can be inspired.
More Samuel Smiles Quotes
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Luck lies in bed, and wishes the postman would bring him news of a legacy; labor turns out at six, and with busy pen or ringing hammer lays the foundation of a competence.
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If we opened our minds to enjoyment, we might find tranquil pleasures spread about us on every side. We might live with the angels that visit us on every sunbeam, and sit with the fairies who wait on every flower.
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The government of a nation itself is usually found to be but the reflux of the individuals composing it. The government that is ahead of the people will be inevitably dragged down to their level, as the government that is behind them will in the long run be dragged up.
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Cheerfulness is also an excellent wearing quality. It has been called the bright weather of the heart.
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The possession of a library, or the free use of it, no more constitutes learning, than the possession of wealth constitutes generosity.
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Great men are always exceptional men; and greatness itself is but comparative. Indeed, the range of most men in life is so limited that very few have the opportunity of being great.
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There are many persons of whom it may be said that they have no other possession in the world but their character, and yet they stand as firmly upon it as any crowned king.
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Those who aren’t making mistakes probably aren’t making anything.
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The great lesson of biography is to show what man can be and do at his best. A noble life put fairly on record acts like an inspiration to others.
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The reason why so little is done, is generally because so little is attempted.
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Opportunities fall in the way of every man who is resolved to take advantage of them.
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Politeness goes far, yet costs nothing.
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The spirit of self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual.
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All life is a struggle…. Under competition the lazy man is put under the necessity of exerting himself; and if he will not exert himself, he must fall behind. If he do not work, neither shall he eat.
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Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.
SAMUEL SMILES