Vanity may be likened to the smooth-skinned and velvet-footed mouse, nibbling about forever in expectation of a crumb; while self-esteem is too apt to take the likeness of the huge butcher's dog, who carries off your steaks, and growls at… — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
Vanity is so constantly solicitous of self, that even where its own claims are not interested, it indirectly seeks the aliment which it loves, by showing how little is deserved by others. — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
Distinction is an eminence that is attained but too frequently at the expense of a fireside. — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
I believe that economists put decimal points in their forecasts to show they have a sense of humor. — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
Today's public opinion, though it may appear as light as air, may be tomorrow's legislation-for better or for worse. — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
The wonder is not that the world is so easily governed, but that so small a number of persons will suffice for the purpose.… — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
Tact is one of the first mental virtues, the absence of which is often fatal to the best of talents; it supplies the place… — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
Ambition is frequently the only refuge which life has left to the denied or mortified affections. We chide at the grasping eye, the daring… — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
The true law of the race is progress and development. Whenever civilization pauses in the march of conquest, it is overthrown by the barbarian. — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
Better that we should err in action than wholly refuse to perform. The storm is so much better than the calm, as it declares… — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
He who would acquire fame must not show himself afraid of censure. The dread of censure is the death of genius. — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
What we call vice in our neighbor may be nothing less than a crude virtue. To him who knows nothing more of precious stones… — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
The birth of a child is the imprisonment of a soul. The soul must work its way out of prison, and, in doing so,… — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
Public opinion is the greatest force for good, when it happens to be on our side — William Gilmore Simms Copy Share Image
