Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources / Including Phrases, Mottoes, Maxims, Proverbs, Definitions, Aphorisms, and Sayings of Wise Men, in Their Bearing on Life, Literature, Speculation, Science, Art, Religion, and Morals, Especially in the Modern Aspects of Them

by Rev. James Wood

Is it in destroying and pulling down that skill is displayed? The shallowest understanding, the rudest hand, is more equal to that task. Burke.

Is it not astonishing that the love of repose keeps us in continual agitation? Stanislaus.

Is it not strange that men should be so ready 10 to fight for religion and so reluctant to observe its precepts? Lichtenberg.

Is it not the same to whoso wears a shoe as if the earth were thatched all over with leather? Hitopadesa.

Is it right to despair, and shall truth make us sad? Renan.

Is maxime divitiis utitur, qui minime divitiis indiget—He employs riches to the best purpose who least needs them. Sen.

Is mihi demum vivere et frui anima videtur, qui aliquo negotio intentus, præclari facinoris aut artis bonæ famam quærit—He alone appears to me to live and to enjoy life, who, being engaged in some business, seeks reputation by some illustrious action or some useful art. Sall.

Is mihi videtur amplissimus qui sua virtute in 15 altiorem locum pervenit—He is in my regard the most illustrious man who has risen by his own virtues. Cic.

Is not belief the true God-announcing miracle? Novalis.

Is not cant the prima materia of the devil, from which all falsehoods, imbecilities, abominations body themselves, from which no true thing can come? Carlyle.