If we like a man's dream, we call him a reformer; if we don't like his dream, we call him a crank.
William Dean HowellsRead
The conqueror is regarded with awe; the wise man commands our respect; but it is only the benevolent man that wins our affection.
Interpretation
True affection comes from benevolence, not just achievements or wisdom.
William Dean Howells emphasizes that while society may admire conquerors for their power and wise individuals for their intellect, it is the kindness and benevolence of a person that fosters genuine affection from others. This distinction highlights the importance of character and compassion in building meaningful relationships.
In practice
A speaker at a charity event might use this quote to highlight the importance of kindness in building community.
If this is not done, future ages will certainly look back upon us as a people so immersed in the pursuit of wealth as to be blind to higher considerations.
Actors tend to get in their own way, a lot. A lot of times you will do things that will screw up your audition process. I was very bad at auditioning, and I always went in to it saying ‘God I hope I don’t screw this up.’ But at the same time, the directors are saying, ‘God, I hope this person is the savior.’ You have to remember is that the worst thing that could happen is you don’t get the job you don’t already have.
I want, of course, peace, grace, and beauty. How do you do that? You work for it.
He wanted to care, and he could not care. For he had gone away and he could never go back anymore. The gates were closed, the sun was down, and there was no beauty left but the gray beauty of steel that withstands all time. Even the grief he could have borne was left behind in the country of youth, of illusion, of the richness of life, where his winter dreams had flourished.
I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection
Happy the hare at morning, for she cannot read The hunter's waking thoughts.
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