The first lesson of literature, no less than of 25 life, is the learning how to burn one's own smoke. Lowell.
"The first love, which is infinite," can be followed by no second like it. Carlyle.
The first of the nine orders of knaves is he that tells his errand before he goes it. Pr.
The first period of a nation, as of an individual, is the period of unconscious strength. Emerson.
The first point of wisdom is to discern that which is false; the second, to know that which is true. Lactantius.
The first power of a nation consists in knowing 30 how to guide the plough; its second power consists in knowing how to wear the fetter. Ruskin.
The first principle of all human economy—individual or political—is to live with as few wants as possible, and to waste nothing of what is given us to supply them. Ruskin.
The first problem (in life) is to unite yourself with some one and with somewhat. Carlyle.
The first proof of a man's incapacity for anything is his endeavouring to fix the stigma of failure upon others. B. R. Haydon.
The first requisite, both in conversation and correspondence, is to attend to all the proper decorums which our own character and that of others demand. Blair.