In a roadside field stands
A leafless willow tree-
Spring will come, and then
The wonders of long ago,
Will all return.
-
Sugawara no Michizane
Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.
-
Augustine of Hippo
In order to discover the character of people we have only to observe what they love.
-
Augustine of Hippo
Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.
-
Augustine of Hippo
How can the past and future be, when the past no longer is, and the future is not yet? As for the present, if it were always present and never moved on to become the past, it would not be time, but eternity.
-
Augustine of Hippo
Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.
-
Augustine of Hippo
The mind commands the body and is instantly obeyed. The mind commands itself and meets resistance.
-
Augustine of Hippo
The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.
-
Augustine of Hippo
People travel to wonder
at the height of the mountains,
at the huge waves of the seas,
at the long course of the rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean,
at the circular motion of the stars,
and yet they pass by themselves
without wondering.
-
Augustine of Hippo
Do not be envious! For if we envy others, then they in turn will envy us. The evils of envy know no limit
-
Prince Shotoku
Let us control ourselves and not be resentful when others disagree with us, for all men have hearts and each heart has its own leanings. The right of others is our wrong, and our right is their wrong.
-
Prince Shotoku
The Ministers and officials of the state should make proper behavioUr their first principle.
-
Prince Shotoku