Hugh Blair

Quotes

• “It frequently happens that where the second line is sublime, the third, in which he meant to rise still higher, is perfectly bombast.”
• “What we call human reason, is not the effort or ability of one, so much as it is the result of the reason of many, arising from lights mutually communicated, in consequence of discourse and writing.”
• “Between levity and cheerfulness there is a wide distinction; and the mind which is most open to levity is frequently a stranger to cheerfulness.”
• “Anxiety is the poison of human life ; the parent of many sins and of more miseries. – In a world where everything is doubtful, and where we may be disappointed, and be blessed in disappointment, why this restless stir and commotion of mind? – Can it alter the cause, or unravel the mystery of human events?”
• “That discipline which corrects the baseness of worldly passion, fortifies the heart with virtuous principles, enlightens the mind with useful knowledge, and furnishes it with enjoyment from within itself, is of more consequence to real felicity, than all the provision we can make of the goods of fortune.”
• “How shocking must thy summons be, O Death!To him that is at ease in his possessions!Who, counting on long years of pleasure here,Is quite unfurnished for the world to come.In that dread moment, how the frantic soulRaves round the walls of her clay tenement;Runs to each avenue, and shrieks for help;But shrieks in vain.”

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