There are two principles of established acceptance in morals; first, that self-interest is the mainspring of all of our actions, and secondly, that utility is the test of their value. Charles Caleb Colton More Quotes by Charles Caleb Colton More Quotes From Charles Caleb Colton There is an elasticity in the human mind, capable of bearing much, but which will not show itself, until a certain weight of affliction be put upon it; its powers may be compared to those vehicles whose springs are so contrived that they get on smoothly enough when loaded, but jolt confoundedly when they have nothing to bear. Charles Caleb Colton adversitymindspring It is an easy and vulgar thing to please the mob, and not a very arduous task to astonish them; but essentially to benefit and to improve them is a work fraught with difficulty, and teeming with danger. Charles Caleb Colton benefitstaskseasy Neutrality is no favorite with Providence, for we are so formed that it is scarcely possible for us to stand neuter in our hearts, although we may deem it prudent to appear so in our actions Charles Caleb Colton neutralityheartmay He that aspires to be the head of a party will find it more difficult to please his friends than to perplex his foes. He must often act from false reasons which are weak, because he dares not avow the true reasons which are strong. Charles Caleb Colton partystrongreason There are only two things in which the false professors of all religions have agreed--to persecute all other sects and to plunder their own. Charles Caleb Colton atheismtworeligion Two things, well considered, would prevent many quarrels: first, to have it well ascertained whether we are not disputing about terms, rather than things; and, secondly, to examine whether that on which we differ is worth contending about. Charles Caleb Colton quarrelstwofirsts If you cannot avoid a quarrel with a blackguard, let your lawyer manage it, rather than yourself. No man sweeps his own chimney, but employs a chimney-sweeper, who has no objection to dirty work, because it is his trade. Charles Caleb Colton lawyermendirty In most quarrels there is a fault on both sides. A quarrel may be compared to a spark, which cannot be produced without a flint, as well as steel. Either of them may hammer on wood forever; no fire will follow. Charles Caleb Colton hammersfireforever We often regret we did not do otherwise, when that very otherwise would, in all probability, have done for us. Charles Caleb Colton probabilityregretdone Revenge is a much more punctual paymaster than gratitude Charles Caleb Colton punctualgratituderevenge Secrecy is the soul of all great designs. Perhaps more has been effected by concealing our own intentions than by discovering those of our enemy. Charles Caleb Colton designsoulenemy Secrecy of design, when combined with rapidity of execution, like me column that guided Israel in the deserts, becomes the guardian pillar of light and fire to our friends, a cloud of overwhelming and impenetrable darkness to our enemies. Charles Caleb Colton lightfireclouds A beautiful woman, if poor, should use double circumspection; for her beauty will tempt others, her poverty herself. Charles Caleb Colton usetemptationbeautiful Villainy that is vigilant will be an overmatch for virtue, if she slumber at her post. Charles Caleb Colton slumberpostsvirtue The rich are more envied by those who have a little, than by those who have nothing. Charles Caleb Colton richwealthlittles The greatest and most amiable privilege which the rich enjoy over the poor is that which they exercise the least--the privilege of making others happy. Charles Caleb Colton wealthprivilegeexercise Hope is a prodigal young heir, and Experience is his banker; but his drafts are seldom honoured, since there is often a heavy balance against him, because he draws largely on a small capital, is not yet in possession, and if he were, would die. Charles Caleb Colton heirsbalancehope If all seconds were as averse to duels as their principals, very little blood would be shed in that way. Charles Caleb Colton duelingwould-beblood We cannot think too highly of our nature, nor too humbly of ourselves. When we see the martyr to virtue, subject as he is to the infirmities of a man, yet suffering the tortures of a demon, and bearing them with the magnanimity of a God, do we not behold a heroism that angels may indeed surpass, but which they cannot imitate, and must admire. Charles Caleb Colton angelhumilitymen Novels may teach us as wholesome a moral as the pulpit. There are "sermons in stones," in healthy books, and "good in everything. Charles Caleb Colton healthymaybook
