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ACTION
The thing done avails, and not what is said about it.--EMERSON.
Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness
without action.--BEACONSFIELD.
There are three sorts of actions: those that are good, those that are
bad, and those that are doubtful; and we ought to be most cautious of
those that are doubtful; for we are in most danger of these doubtful
actions, because they do not alarm us; and yet they insensibly lead to
greater transgressions, just as the shades of twilight gradually
reconcile us to darkness.--A. REED.
To the valiant actions speak alone.--SMOLLETT.
It is well to think well: it is divine to act well.--HORACE MANN.
Active natures are rarely melancholy. Activity and melancholy are
incompatible.--BOVEE.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Finds us farther than to-day.
* * * * *
Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act, act, in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o'erhead!
--LONGFELLOW.
Every man feels instinctively that all the beautiful sentiments in the
world weigh less than a single lovely action.--LOWELL.
Prodigious actions may as well be done
By weaver's issue, as by prince's son.
--DRYDEN.
It is not to taste sweet things, but to do noble and true things, and
vindicate himself under God's heaven as a God-made man, that the
poorest son of Adam dimly longs. Show him the way of doing that, the
dullest day-drudge kindles into a hero.--CARLYLE.
Deliberate with caution, but act with decision; and yield with
graciousness, or oppose with firmness.--COLTON.
When our souls shall leave this dwelling, the glory of one fair and
virtuous action is above all the scutcheons on our tomb, or silken
banners over us.--J. SHIRLEY.
Our acts make or mar us,--we are the children of our own deeds.
--VICTOR HUGO.
Man, being essentially active, must find in activity his joy, as well
as his beauty and glory; and labor, like everything else that is good,
is its own reward.--WHIPPLE. |
