Alfred the Great > Quotes

“For in prosperity a man is often puffed up with pride, whereas tribulations chasten and humble him through suffering and sorrow. In the midst of prosperity the mind is elated, and in prosperity a man forgets himself; in hardship he is forced to reflect on himself, even though he be unwilling. In prosperity a man often destroys the good he has done; amidst difficulties he often repairs what he long since did in the way of wickedness.”
― King Alfred

“The saddest thing about any man is that he be ignorant, and the most exciting thing is that he knows.”
― Alfred the Great

“Very often it has come to my mind what men of learning there were formerly throughout England..and how nowadays...we would have to seek them outside...Thanks be to God Almighty that we now have any supply of teachers at all!...As often as you can, free yourself from worldly affairs so that you may apply that wisdom which God gave you wherever you can. Remember what punishments befell us in this world when we ourselves didn't cherish learning nor transmit it to other men.”
― King Alfred the Great

“I am astonished at this arrogance of yours, since through God’s authority and my own you have enjoyed the office and status of wise men, yet you have neglected the study and application of wisdom. For this reason, I command you either to relinquish immediately the offices of worldly power that you posses, or else to apply yourselves much more attentively to the pursuit of wisdom.”
― Alfred the Great, Alfred the Great: Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources