The test of every religious, political, or educational system is the man that it forms. Henri Frederic Amiel More Quotes by Henri Frederic Amiel More Quotes From Henri Frederic Amiel One may guess the why and wherefore of a tear and yet find it too subtle to give any account of. A tear may be the poetical resume of so many simultaneous impressions, the quintessence of so many opposing thoughts! It is like a drop of one of those precious elixirs of the East which contain the life of twenty plants fused into a single aroma. Henri Frederic Amiel tearsmaygiving Composition is a process of combination, in which thought puts together complementary truths, and talent fuses into harmony the most contrary qualities of style. So that there is no composition without effort, without pain even, as in all bringing forth. The reward is the giving birth to something living--something, that is to say, which, by a kind of magic, makes a living unity out of such opposed attributes as orderliness and spontaneity, thought and imagination, solidity and charm. Henri Frederic Amiel painwritinggiving Pay bad people with your goodness; fight their hatred with your kindness. Even if you do not achieve a victory over other people, you will conquer yourself. Henri Frederic Amiel fightingkindnesspeople The unfinished is nothing. Henri Frederic Amiel unfinishedquitting There are 2 sorts of pride: one in which we approve others, the other in which we cannot accept ourselves. Henri Frederic Amiel acceptingpride Nothing is more characteristic of a man than the manner in which he behaves toward fools. Henri Frederic Amiel foolhe-manmen The philosopher aspires to explain away all mysteries, to dissolve them into light. Mystery on the other hand is demanded and pursued by the religious instinct; mystery constitutes the essence of worship, the power of proselytism. Henri Frederic Amiel philosophermysterylight Our dependence outweighs our independence, for we are independent only in our desire, while we are dependent on our health, on nature, on society, on everything in us and outside us. Henri Frederic Amiel independenceindependentdesire Philosophy means the complete liberty of the mind. Henri Frederic Amiel mindphilosophymean The stationary condition is the beginning of the end Henri Frederic Amiel stationaryconditionsends To be misunderstood even by those whom one loves is the cross and bitterness of life. It is the secret of that sad and melancholy smile on the lips of great men which so few understand. Henri Frederic Amiel misunderstoodlove-ismen Truth above all, even when it upsets us and overwhelms us. Henri Frederic Amiel upset Put personal ambition away from you, and then you will find consolation in living or in dying, whatever may happen to you. Henri Frederic Amiel dyingambitionmay I am a spectator, so to speak, of the molecular whirlwind which men call individual life; I am conscious of an incessant metamorphosis, an irresistible movement of existence, which is going on within me - and this phenomenology of myself serves as a window opened upon the mystery of the world. Henri Frederic Amiel menlifeworld Man is a passion which brings a will into play, which works an intelligence. Henri Frederic Amiel passionplaymen Action and faith enslave thought, both of them in order not be troubled or inconvenienced by reflection, criticism, and doubt. Henri Frederic Amiel reflectiondoubtorder Hope is only the love of life. Henri Frederic Amiel anticipationhopelife Analysis kills spontaneity. Henri Frederic Amiel philosophylifeart Let the living live; and you, gather together your thoughts, leave behind you a legacy of feeling and ideas; you will be most useful so. Henri Frederic Amiel feelingslifeideas Oh be swift to live, make haste to be kind. Henri Frederic Amiel be-kindhastekindness
