With every exertion, the best of men can do but a moderate amount of good; but it seems in the power of the most contemptible individual to do incalculable mischief. — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Some minds corrode and grow inactive under the loss of personal liberty; others grow morbid and irritable; but it is the nature of the… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Language gradually varies, and with it fade away the writings of authors who have flourished their allotted time; otherwise, the creative powers of genius… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands.… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Over no nation does the press hold a more absolute control than over the people of America, for the universal education of the poorest… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
I have never found, in anything outside of the four walls of my study, an enjoyment equal to sitting at my writing desk with… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
There is no character in the comedy of human life more difficult to play well than that of an old bachelor. — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
He who thinks much says but little in proportion to his thoughts. He selects that language which will convey his ideas in the most explicit and direct manner. He tries to compress as much thought as possible into a few words. On the contrary, the man who talks everlastingly and promiscuously, who seems to have an exhaustless magazine of sound,… — Washington Irving Copy Share
A woman's whole life is a history of the affections. The heart is her world: it is there her ambition strives for empire; it… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Redundancy of language is never found with deep reflection. Verbiage may indicate observation, but not thinking. He who thinks much says but little in… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
History fades into fable; fact becomes clouded with doubt and controversy; the inscription molders from the tablet: the statue falls from the pedestal. Columns,… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
