Browse quotes by category
Thousands of quotes organised by category, author, and topic. Every entry comes with attribution and, where possible, a plain-language meaning—so you leave with an idea you can actually use, not just a phrase to copy.
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“All mankind... being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another.”
Meaning: It emphasizes equality. -
“New opinions are always suspected.”
Meaning: This reflects resistance to change. -
“I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.”
Meaning: It emphasizes actions over words. -
“Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge.”
Meaning: This highlights application beyond reading. -
“The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom.”
Meaning: It defines purpose of law. -
“Parents wonder why the streams are bitter, when they themselves have poisoned the fountain.”
Meaning: This reflects influence of upbringing. -
“Curiosity in children is but an appetite for knowledge.”
Meaning: It highlights natural learning instincts. -
“The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.”
Meaning: This highlights the power of perception and mindset. -
“Long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to light.”
Meaning: It reflects struggle before success. -
“Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience.”
Meaning: This emphasizes freedom of speech and thought. -
“They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Meaning: It highlights patience and quiet contribution. -
“Solitude sometimes is best society.”
Meaning: This emphasizes value of being alone. -
“A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit.”
Meaning: It highlights importance of literature. -
“The end of learning is to repair the ruins of our first parents.”
Meaning: It reflects moral purpose of education. -
“Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war.”
Meaning: This highlights importance of peace. -
“He who reigns within himself is more than a king.”
Meaning: It emphasizes self-control. -
“Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.”
Meaning: This reflects ambition and independence. -
“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.”
Meaning: This emphasizes deliberate work in achieving excellence. -
“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.”
Meaning: It highlights passion combined with skill. -
“The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”
Meaning: This emphasizes personal growth through work.