
Vol. V, par. 254
Collected Papers (1931-1958)
Propos sur la religion [Remarks on religion] (1924)
Le Citoyen contre les Pouvoirs [The Citizen against the Powers] (1926)
Variant: To think is to say no.
Vol. V, par. 254
Collected Papers (1931-1958)
“Second thoughts, they say, are best.”
Act II, scene 2.
The Spanish Friar (1681)
Source: Philosophy At The Limit (1990), Chapter 3, Deconstruction and Criticism, p. 46
Hagakure (c. 1716)
Context: To hate injustice and stand on righteousness is a difficult thing. Furthermore, to think that being righteous is the best one can do and to do one's utmost to be righteous will, on the contrary, bring many mistakes. The Way is in a higher place than righteousness. This is very difficult to discover, but it is the highest wisdom. When seen from this standpoint, things like righteousness are rather shallow. If one does not understand this on his own, it cannot be known. There is a method of getting to this Way, however, even if one cannot discover it by himself. This is found in consultation with others. Even a person who has not attained this Way sees others from the side. It is like the saying from the game of go: "He who sees from the side has eight eyes." The saying, "Thought by thought we see our own mistakes," also means that the highest Way is in discussion with others.
Choruses from The Rock (1934)
Context: The lot of man is ceaseless labor,
Or ceaseless idleness, which is still harder,
Or irregular labour, which is not pleasant.
I have trodden the winepress alone, and I know
That it is hard to be really useful, resigning
The things that men count for happiness, seeking
The good deeds that lead to obscurity, accepting
With equal face those that bring ignominy,
The applause of all or the love of none.
All men are ready to invest their money
But most expect dividends.
I say to you: Make perfect your will.
I say: take no thought of the harvest,
But only of proper sowing.
“I never thought it would end like this. I never thought he would leave me without saying goodbye.”
Source: The Other Boleyn Girl
Source: The Way Towards The Blessed Life or the Doctrine of Religion 1806, P. 56