Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than
their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd read more

Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than
their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd by
study, or consultation with casuists.
- Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury,

What exile from himself can flee?
To zones, though more and more remote,
Still, still pursues, where'er read more

What exile from himself can flee?
To zones, though more and more remote,
Still, still pursues, where'er I be,
The blight of life--the demon Thought.

The kings of modern thought are dumb.

The kings of modern thought are dumb.

Old things need not be therefore true,
O brother men, nor yet the new;
Ah! still awhile read more

Old things need not be therefore true,
O brother men, nor yet the new;
Ah! still awhile the old thought retain,
And yet consider it again!

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither
desire thou his dainty meats:
read more

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither
desire thou his dainty meats:
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith
he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

When thought becomes excessively painful, action is the finest remedy.

When thought becomes excessively painful, action is the finest remedy.

Associate reverently, as much as you can, with your loftiest thoughts.

Associate reverently, as much as you can, with your loftiest thoughts.

Never express yourself more clearly than you think.

Never express yourself more clearly than you think.

Upon the cunning loom of thought
We weave our fancies, so and so.

Upon the cunning loom of thought
We weave our fancies, so and so.