If people should ever start to do only what is necessary millions would die of hunger.

If people should ever start to do only what is necessary millions would die of hunger.

My steps have pressed the flowers,
That to the Muses' bowers
The eternal dews of Helicon have read more

My steps have pressed the flowers,
That to the Muses' bowers
The eternal dews of Helicon have given:
And trod the mountain height,
Where Science, young and bright,
Scans with poetic gaze the midnight-heaven.
Yet have I found no power to vie
With thine, severe necessity!

The art of our necessities is strange, That can make vile things precious.

The art of our necessities is strange, That can make vile things precious.

No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To wage against the emnity o' th' air,
To read more

No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose
To wage against the emnity o' th' air,
To be a comrade with the wolf and owl,
Necessity's sharp pinch.

We do what we must, and call it by the best names.

We do what we must, and call it by the best names.

Men try to run life according to their wishes; life runs itself according to necessity.

Men try to run life according to their wishes; life runs itself according to necessity.

Necessity is the last and strongest weapon.
[Lat., Necessitas ultimum et maximum telum est.]

Necessity is the last and strongest weapon.
[Lat., Necessitas ultimum et maximum telum est.]

Necessity makes even the timid brave.
[Lat., Necessitas etiam timidos fortes facit.]

Necessity makes even the timid brave.
[Lat., Necessitas etiam timidos fortes facit.]

It is surprising what a man can do when he has to, and how little most men will do when read more

It is surprising what a man can do when he has to, and how little most men will do when they don't have to.