Every syllable that can be struck out is pure profit, and every page that can be economised is a five-per-cent dividend. Nature rebels against this rule; the flesh is weak, and shrinks from the scissors; I groan in retrospect over… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
By nature, man is lazy, working only under compulsion; and when he is strong we will always live, as far as he can, upon the labor or the property of the weak. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
I am fairly tired--bored beyond endurance--by the world we live in, and its ideals, and am ready to say so, not violently, but kindly,… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
“One had heard and read a great deal about death, and even seen a little of it, and knew by heart the thousand commonplaces… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
The chief wonder of education is that it does not ruin everybody concerned in it, teachers and taught. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
The American President resembles the commander of a ship at sea. He must have a helm to grasp, a course to steer, a port… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
The proof that a philosopher does not know what he is talking about is apt to sadden his followers before it reacts on himself. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
No man should be in politics unless he would honestly rather not be there. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
In the history of the United States, there is no continuity at all. You can cut through it anywhere and nothing on this side… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
“Washington was no politician as we understand the word," replied Ratcliffe abruptly. "He stood outside of politics. The thing couldn't be done today. The… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
If I grapple with sin in my own strength, the devil knows he may go to sleep. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
All State education is a sort of dynamo machine for polarizing the popular mind; for turning and holding its lines of force in the… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
