Mark Twain

Faith is believing what you know ain't so. -Mark Twain, author and humorist (1835-1910)

Here is a better authority on the subject: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Heb 11:1

Eric Hoffer, philosopher

What monstrosities would walk the streets were some people's faces as unfinished as their minds. -Eric Hoffer, philosopher and author (1902-1983)

What horrors, and what beauties, we would see if people's faces reflected the state of their souls. And someday they will.

Jeph Jacques, Web cartoonist

"You can either hold yourself up to the unrealistic standards of others, or ignore them and concentrate on being happy with yourself as you are." -- Jeph Jacques

In truth, these aren't the only choices. One can also consider the expectations of others and see if there might be some merit in them. None of us is yet the best we can be, though it is surely a mistake to try to conform only to other people's opinions.

Jules Renard, writer

Words are the small change of thought. -Jules Renard, writer (1864-1910)

I would think it more accurate to say that words are the currency of thought, not just the small change. Certainly we cannot exchange our thoughts without words, and I would say that big thoughts, properly expressed, require substantial investment, no matter the denominations of currency used. In fact, I doubt that we can think at all without words, and we need words proportional to our thoughts.

Yahia Lababidi, author

Like cars in amusement parks, our direction is often determined through collisions. -Yahia Lababidi, author (b. 1973)

This is very true. Conflicts and obstacles are one of the ways God works in our lives, not only to get us moving in the right direction, but also to pound us into the right shape.

Henry David Thoreau

"Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something." -- Henry David Thoreau

As usual, I can't buy Thoreau's aphorism. Aiming above morality seems to me to be like aiming above the sky. Saying we should be more than "simply good" indicates to me a very meager understanding of goodness. To be truly good means to be good like God is good. On the other hand, being "good for something" puts a limit on my goodness.

Lech Walesa, human rights activist, Polish president, Nobel laureate

Power is only important as an instrument for service to the powerless. -Lech Walesa, human rights activist, Polish president, Nobel laureate (b. 1943)

Excellent thought! A sentiment we should look for in those we choose to give power to.