“Only what we have wrought into our character during life can we take away with us.”
As quoted in Seed-grain for Thought and Discussion (1856) by Anna Cabot Lowell, Vol. 1, p. 260
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Alexander von Humboldt11
Prussian geographer, naturalist and explorer 1769–1859Related quotes
John Locke (1632–1704) English philosopher and physician
Attributed to Locke on various quotes sites and on social media, this quotation is a false rendering of "We are all a sort of chameleons, that still take a tincture from things near us: nor is it to be wondered at in children, who better understand what they see, than what they hear" from Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1693).
Misattributed
Jon Stewart (1962) American political satirist, writer, television host, actor, media critic and stand-up comedian
“During your life, never stop dreaming. No one can take away your dreams”
Tupac Shakur (1971–1996) rapper and actor
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (1953) Argentine politician and ex President of Argentina
Márquez, Humberto. "ARGENTINA-VENEZUELA: Cristina Fernández triunfa en 15 minutos." IPS. 26 Mar 2007. IPS - Inter Press Service (América Latina). 23 Mar 2008 <http://archive.is/20130703061615/ipsnoticias.net/nota.asp?idnews=40480>.
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“What a pity that in life we only get our lessons when they are of no use to us.”
Oscar Wilde Lady Windermere's Fan
Lady Windermere, Act IV
Lady Windermere's Fan (1892)