“Strange is the vigour in a brave man's soul. The strength of his spirit and his irresistible power, the greatness of his heart and the height of his condition, his mighty confidence and contempt of danger, his true security and repose in himself, his liberty to dare and do what he pleaseth, his alacrity in the midst of fears, his invincible temper, are advantages which make him master of fortune.” MenHeartSoulSpiritLibertyConditionsSecurityDangerGreatnessStrangeMastersAdvantageBraveFortuneDareHeightMidstContemptTemperIrresistibleInvincibleReposeBrave ManAlacrity Author:Thomas Traherne
“There is a kind of grandeur and respect which the meanest and most insignificant part of mankind endeavor to procure in the little circle of their friends and acquaintance. The poorest mechanic, nay, the man who lives upon common alms, gets him his set of admirers, and delights in that superiority which he enjoys over those who are in some respects beneath him. This ambition, which is natural to the soul of man, might, methinks, receive a very happy turn; and, if it were rightly directed, contribute as much to a person's advantage, as it generally does to his uneasiness and disquiet.” IfsMenKindLittlesPersonsDoeSoulMightTurnsEnjoyNaturalCommonMankindHe ManAmbitionAdvantageDelightCirclesEndeavorSuperiorityVery HappyMechanicInsignificantAcquaintanceGrandeurPoorestAdmirerAlmsUneasiness Book:The spectator Source: The spectator