Explore Quotes by Alfred The Great

He promoted the education of the parish clergy and wrote: He seems to me a very foolish man, and very wretched, who will not increase his understanding while he is in the world, and ever wish and long to reach that endless life where all shall be made clear.

For I dipt into the future, far as human eye could see,_x000D__x000D_Saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that would be;_x000D__x000D_Saw the heavens fill with commerce, Argosies of magic sails,_x000D__x000D_Pilots of the purple twilight, dropping down with costly bales;_x000D__x000D_Heard the heavens fill with shouting, and there rain'd a ghastly dew,_x000D__x000D_From the nations' airy navies grappling in the central blue.

For in prosperity a man is often puffed up with pride, whereas tribulations chasten and humble him through suffering and sorrow. In the midst of prosperity the mind is elated, and in prosperity a man forgets himself; in hardship he is forced to reflect on himself, even though he be unwilling. In prosperity a man often destroys the good he has done; amidst difficulties he often repairs what he long since did in the way of wickedness.

The saddest thing about any man is that he be ignorant, and the most exciting thing is that he knows.