Status Updates From A Calendar of Wisdom

If only God is among us, and eternity exists, then everything is different. We can distinguish good from evil, light from darkness, and despair disappears. —ERASMUS

“Whether we believe in eternity or not determines our actions. Therefore, it is crucial that we determine what is mortal in us, and what is eternal, and that we cherish those things eternal.”—After BLAISE PASCAL

The more a person analyzes his inner self, the more insignificant he seems to himself. This is the first lesson of wisdom. Let us be humble, and we will become wise. Let us know our weakness, and it will give us power. —WILLIAM ELLERY CHANNING

“War creates a state in which power and glory is at the end too often received by the most undeserving and vicious people.” —Tolstoy

Three temptations torture people: sexual desire, pride, and lust for wealth. All the misfortunes of mankind come from these three cravings. Without them, people would live in happiness. But how can we get rid of these terrible illnesses? … Work on yourself and improve yourself; this is the answer. Start the improvement of this world from within. —F. ROBERT DE LAMENNAIS

“Sexual desire is the most all-consuming of desires. This desire is never sated, for the more it is satisfied, the more it grows.” —Tolstoy

A person becomes happy to the same extent to which he or she gives happiness to other people. —JEREMY BENTHAM

“A man consists of body and soul. Thus often, especially in his youth, he is interested only in his body, but nevertheless, the most essential part of every man is not his body, but his soul. . . Save it from everyday dirt and do not let your flesh guide it; subdue your body to your soul, and then you will fulfill your destiny and live a happy life.” —After MARCUS AURELIUS

What a strange thing! Many scoundrels try to disguise their dirty deeds by their dedication to the interests of religion, or by their high morals, or by love for their motherland. —HEINRICH HEINE

“You should respond with kindness toward evil done to you, and you will destroy in an evil person that pleasure which he derives from evil.” —Tolstoy

If you want to study yourself—look into the hearts of other people. If you want to study other people—look into your own heart. —FRIEDRICH VON SCHILLER