“In all important transactions of life we have to take a leap in the dark… If we decide to leave the riddles unanswered, that is a choice; if we waver in our answer, that, too, is a choice: but whatever… — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
Used with due abstinence, hope acts as a healthful tonic; intemperately indulged, as an enervating opiate. The visions of future triumph, which at first animate exertion, if dwelt upon too intently, will usurp the place of the stern reality; and, noble objects will be contemplated, not for their own inherent worth, but on account of the day-dreams they engender. Thus… — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share
The things which cannot be adequately represented by words are more important than those which can. — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
Wisdom may be the ultimate arbiter, but is seldom the immediate agent in human affairs. — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
Each must act as he thinks best; and if he is wrong, so much the worse for him. We stand on a mountain pass… — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
Power and courtly influence form an intoxicating draught even when raised to the lips of an ascetic and a saint. — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
Thus hope, aided by imagination, makes one man a hero, another a somnambulist, and a third a lunatic; while it renders them all enthusiasts. — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
A well-judging man will open his trunk-line of study in such a direction that, while habitually adhering to it, he may enjoy a ready… — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
A liberal conservative is a man who thinks things ought to progress but would rather they remained as they are. — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
To me this question whether liberty is a good or a bad thing appears as irrational as the question whether fire is a good… — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
To try to regulate the internal affairs of a family, the relations of love or friendship, or many other things of the same sort,… — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
“In all important transactions of life we have to take a leap in the dark… If we decide to leave the riddles unanswered, that… — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
To try to make men equal by altering social arrangements is like trying to make the cards of equal value by shuffling the pack. — James Fitzjames Stephen Copy Share Image
