The Constitution has been reared for immortality, if the work of a man may justly aspire to such a title. It may, nevertheless, perish in an hour by the folly, or corruption, or negligence of its only keepers, The People. Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people in order to betray them.

– Joseph Story

Worldly wisdom teaches that it is better for reputation to fail conventionally than to succeed unconventionally.

– John Maynard Keynes

Most of what we say and do is not essential. Eliminate it, you’ll have more time and more tranquility. Ask yourself, is this necessary.

– Marcus Aurelius

They appear as giants because we are on our knees.

–  Karl Marx

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffective, concerning all acts of initiative (and creation). There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

– Goethe

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

– Thomas Edison

Right makes might.

– Barack Obama

Intellectual influence is the ability to dissolve disciplinary boundaries.

Link

The best things in life are free; the second best are very expensive.

– Coco Chanel