If church prelates, past or present, had even an inkling of physiology they’d realize that what they term this inner ugliness creates and nourishes the hearing ear, the seeing eye, the active mind, and energetic body of man and woman, in the same way that dirt and dung at the roots give the plant its delicate leaves and the full-blown rose.
—Sean O’Casey (1880–1964) Irish Dramatist, Memoirist
He whose hand is not wounded can carry poison. A poisonous liquid cannot seep into such a hand, nor can evil befall him who has done no wrong.
—Buddhist Teaching
One who is allowed to sin, sins less
—Tacitus (56–117) Roman Orator, Historian
It is really true what philosophy tells us, that life must be understood backwards. But with this, one forgets the second proposition, that it must be lived forwards.
—Soren Kierkegaard (1813–55) Danish Philosopher, Theologian
Sin is whatever obscures the soul.
—Andre Gide (1869–1951) French Novelist
If you err it is not for me to punish you. We are punished by our sins not for them.
—Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915) American Writer, Publisher, Artist, Philosopher
Really to sin you have to be serious about it.
—Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906) Norwegian Playwright
The only people who should really sin are the people who can sin and grin.
—Ogden Nash (1902–71) American Writer of Sophisticated Light Verse
As sins proceed they ever multiply; and like figures in arithmetic, the last stands for more than all that went before it.
—Thomas Browne (1605–82) English Author, Physician
Even as a water-pot can be filled by the dripping of water, so a villain can be filled by his gradually accumulated evils.
—Buddhist Teaching
The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
Contrary to what most of us believe, happiness does not simply happen to us. It’s something that we make happen, and it results from doing our best. Feeling fulfilled when we live up to our potentialities is what motivates differentiation and leads to evolution.
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (b.1934) Hungarian-American Psychologist
Knowledge of sin is the beginning of salvation.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
Knowing oneself is not so much a question of discovering what is present in one’s self, but rather the creation of who one wants to be.
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (b.1934) Hungarian-American Psychologist
Bad men hate sin through fear of punishment; good men hate sin through their love of virtue.
—Juvenal (c.60–c.136 CE) Roman Poet
Seeing God without seeing the Self, one sees only mental image. Only he who has seen Himself has seen God, since he has lost individuality, and now sees nothing but God.
—Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950) Indian Hindu Mystic
Women keep a special corner of their hearts for sins they have never committed.
—Cornelia Otis Skinner (1899–1979) American Actress, Playwright
Preachers denounce sin as if it was available to everyone.
—Frank Lane (1896–1981) American Sportsperson, Businessperson
A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most perfect prayer.
—Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–81) German Writer, Philosopher
Life is too short for theatrics, for face time, for jumping through hoops, for excuses, for blaming, for trying too hard to please others, or for chasing society’s illusion of distant riches or fame.
—Robert Cooper (b.1947) British Diplomat
Had proven himself a leader of remarkable ability, a man not only of enterprising ideas, but with the staying power to carry them out.
—David McCullough (b.1933) American Historian
Many of the insights of the saint stem from their experience as sinners.
—Eric Hoffer (1902–83) American Philosopher, Author
One leak will sink a ship: and one sin will destroy a sinner.
—John Bunyan (1628–88) English Puritan Writer, Preacher
Sins cannot be undone, only forgiven.
—Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) Russian-born American Composer, Musician
But the bravest man amongst us is afraid of himself. The mutilation of the savage has its tragic survival in the self-denial that mars our lives. We are punished for our refusals. Every impulse that we strive to strangle broods in the mind and poisons us. The body sins once, and has done with its sin, for action is a mode of purification. Nothing remains then but the recollection of a pleasure, or the luxury of a regret. The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful. It has been said that the great events of the world take place in the brain. It is in the brain, and the brain only, that the great sins of the world take place also.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
To resist sin is as meritorious as to be actively engaged in a good work.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Some individuals have developed such strong internal standards that they no longer need the opinion of others to judge whether they have performed a task well or not. The ability to give objective feedback to oneself is in fact the mark of the expert.
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (b.1934) Hungarian-American Psychologist
The sin that now rises to your memory as your bosom sin, let this be first of all withstood and mastered. — Oppose it instantly by a detestation of it, by a firm will to conquer it, by reflection, by reason, by prayer.
—William Ellery Channing (1780–1842) American Unitarian Theologian, Poet
She feared no danger, for she knew no sin.
—John Dryden (1631–1700) English Poet, Literary Critic, Playwright
No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life.
—Steve Jobs (1955–2011) American Entrepreneur, Businessperson
Sin may open bright as the morning, but it will end dark as night.
—Thomas De Witt Talmage (1832–1902) American Presbyterian Clergyman, Religious Leader
There are some sins which are more justly to be denominated surprises than infidelities. To such the world should be lenient, as, doubtless, Heaven is forgiving.
—Jean Baptiste Massillon (1663–1742) French Catholic Religious Leader, Theologian
Which 20% of sources are causing 80% of my problems and unhappiness? Which 20% of sources are resulting in 80% of my desired outcomes and happiness?
—Tim Ferriss (b.1977) American Self-help Author
Evil, like milk freshly obtained during the day, does not undergo a change. Its burning effect, however, (potentially) follows the evil-doer like a fire covered with ashes.
—Buddhist Teaching
We may stumble, but always there is that eternal voice, forever whispering within our ear, that thing which causes the eternal quest, that thing which forever sings and sings.
—Ernest Holmes (1887–1960) American New Thought Writer, Teacher
The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: That’s the essence of inhumanity.
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) Irish Playwright
Sin is not harmful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is hurtful.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
A sinful person, having come to realize his evil deeds, has to experience a twofold regret i.e. in this present life and in the hereafter.
—Buddhist Teaching
A leader will find it difficult to articulate a coherent vision unless it expresses his core values, his basic identity…one must first embark on the formidable journey of self-discovery in order to create a vision with authentic soul.
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (b.1934) Hungarian-American Psychologist
I’ve been afraid every single day of my life, but I’ve gone ahead and done it anyway.
—Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986) American Painter
To believe in the things you can see and touch is no belief at all; but to believe in the unseen is a triumph and a blessing.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified. He that labors in any great or laudable undertaking has his fatigues first supported by hope and afterward rewarded by joy.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
The downside, of course, is that over time religions become encrusted with precepts and ideas that are the antithesis of soul, as each faith tries to protect its doctrines and institution instead of nurturing the evolution of consciousness. If one is not careful to distinguish the genuine insights of a religion from its irrelevant accretions, one can go through life following an inappropriate moral compass.
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (b.1934) Hungarian-American Psychologist
A bird does not sing because he has an answer. He sings because he has a song.
—Joan Walsh Anglund (b.1926) American Poet, Children’s Book Author
No man becomes fully evil at once; but suggestion bringeth on indulgence; indulgence, delight; delight, consent; consent, endeavor; endeavor, practice; practice, custom; custom, excuse; excuse, defence; defence, obstinacy; obstinacy, boasting; boasting, a seared conscience and a reprobate mind.
—Thomas De Witt Talmage (1832–1902) American Presbyterian Clergyman, Religious Leader
Commit a sin twice, and you will think it perfectly allowable.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
If you’re not a risk taker, you should get the hell out of business.
—Ray Kroc (1902–84) American Entrepreneur, Businessperson
Sin brought death, and death will disappear with the disappearance of sin.
—Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910) American Christian Science Religious Leader, Humanitarian, Writer
To sin is to be off the mark, that is, to inhibit development, contracting backward into regression rather than expanding forward into growth.
—Connie Zweig (b.1949) American Minister, Columnist, Psychotherapist
The more you struggle to live, the less you live. Give up the notion that you must be sure of what you are doing. Instead, surrender to what is real within you, for that alone is sure. As stars high above earth, you are above everything distressing. But you must awaken to it. Wake up!
—Baruch Spinoza (1632–77) Dutch Philosopher, Theologian
Sin has always been an ugly word, but it has been made so in a new sense over the last half-century. It has been made not only ugly but pass? People are no longer sinful, they are only immature or underprivileged or frightened or, more particularly, sick.
—Phyllis McGinley (1905–78) American Children’s Books Writer, Poet, Writer of Children’s Books
If we listened to our intellect we’d never have a love affair. We’d never have a friendship. We’d never go in business because we’d be cynical: It’s gonna go wrong. Or She’s going to hurt me. Or, I’ve had a couple of bad love affairs, so therefore … Well, that’s nonsense. You’re going to miss life. You’ve got to jump off the cliff all the time and build your wings on the way down.
—Ray Bradbury (b.1920) American Novelist, Short Story Writer
A single conversation across the table with a wise man is worth a month’s study of books.
—Chinese Proverb
The wiser the man, the more careful should he be of his conduct.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
I have no patience for those who say that poverty is a blessing. Poverty is the greatest curse on earth.
—Roger McDonald (b.1941) Australian Novelist, Poet, Screenwriter, Writer
There is no sin which is so great that a liar cannot do, since he has put aside one virtue (of honesty) and ignores (the just retribution in) the hereafter.
—Buddhist Teaching
Someday, in the moment of death, your whole life will pass before you. In a few fractions of a second–because time no longer applies–you will see many incidents from your life in order to learn. You will review your life with two questions in your consciousness: Could I have shown a little more courage in these moments? Could I have shown a little more love? You will see where you let fear stop you from expressing who you are, how you feel, or what you need. You will see whether you were able to expand into these moments, just a little, to show love, or whether you contracted.
—Dan Millman (b.1946) American Children’s Books Writer, Sportsperson
It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do for which we are accountable.
—Moliere (1622–73) French Playwright
There is more to life than increasing its speed.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948) Indian Hindu Political leader
Had I not sinned what would there be for you to pardon. My fate has given you the opportunity for mercy.
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso) (c.43 BCE–c.18 CE) Roman Poet
Even the most evil of men and women, if you understand their hearts, had some generous act that redeems them, at least a little, from their sins.
—Orson Scott Card (b.1951) American Author, Critic, Political Activist
Sin writes histories, goodness is silent.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another, without helping himself.
—Gamaliel Bailey (1807–59) American Antislavery Journalist
God’s plan made a hopeful beginning. But man spoiled his chances by sinning. We trust that the story will end in God’s glory. But, at present, the other side’s winning.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–94) American Physician, Essayist
Personal mastery is the discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality objectively.
—Peter Senge (b.1947) American Management Consultant, Author, Scientist
Sin is sweet in the beginning, but bitter in the end.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Healing is the process of accepting all, then choosing best.
—Neale Donald Walsch (b.1943) American Spiritual Writer
Perhaps the most distinguishing trait of visionary leaders is that they believe in a goal that benefits not only themselves, but others as well. It is such vision that attracts the psychic energy of other people, and makes them willing to work beyond the call of duty for the organization.
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (b.1934) Hungarian-American Psychologist
Sins of the mind have less infamy than those of the body, but not less malignity.
—Benjamin Whichcote (1609–83) British Anglican Priest, Theologian, Philosopher
Be like the bird, who, feeling the branch break beneath him sings, knowing that he has wings.
—Victor Hugo (1802–85) French Novelist
Men are not punished for their sins, but by them.
—Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915) American Writer, Publisher, Artist, Philosopher
If you call one thing good, you must call its opposite bad. If you think it wonderful to make a big profit in your business, you will also think it terrible if you incur a large loss. The idea is to live above the opposites.
—Vernon Howard (1918–92) American Spiritual Teacher, Philosopher
A “sin” is something which is not necessary.
—Georges Gurdjieff (1877–1949) Armenian Spiritual Leader, Occultist
Curse the sin, not the sinner.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Sin begets sin.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
A man commits sin in secret; but the Holy One proclaims it openly.
—The Talmud Sacred Text of the Jewish Faith
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen events, meetings and material assistance which no one could have dreamed would have come their way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now!”
—William Hutchinson Murray (1913–96) Scottish Mountaineer
Our jobs determine to a large extent what our lives are like. Is what you do for a living making you ill? Does it keep you from becoming a more fully realized person? Do you feel ashamed of what you have to do at work? All too often, the answer to such questions is yes. Yet it does not have to be like that. Work can be one of the most joyful, most fulfilling aspects of life. Whether it will be or not depends on the actions we collectively take.
—Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (b.1934) Hungarian-American Psychologist