“Praised be the fathomless universe
For life and joy and for objects and knowledge curious;
And for love, sweet love—But praise! O praise and praise
For the sure-enwinding arms of cool-enfolding Death.”
Memories of President Lincoln, 14
Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919)
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Walt Whitman181
American poet, essayist and journalist 1819–1892Related quotes
Miranda July (1974) American performance artist, musician and writer
The Shared Patio (2005)
Context: Do you have doubts about life? Are you unsure if it is really worth the trouble? Look at the sky: that is for you. Look at each person's face as you pass them on the street: those faces are for you. And the street itself, and the ground under the street, and the ball of fire underneath the ground: all these things are for you. They are as much for you as they are for other people. Remember this when you wake up in the morning and think you have nothing. Stand up and face the east. Now praise the sky and praise the light within each person under the sky. It's okay to be unsure. But praise, praise, praise.
Enheduanna Sumerian priestess and poet
About Inanna, Lines 272-274.
A Hymn to Inana (23rd century BCE)
Olaf Stapledon book Star Maker
Source: Star Maker (1937), Chapter XIII: The Beginning and the End; 3. The Supreme Moment and After (p. 164)
“It was always easier for me to love than to praise.”
Antonio Porchia (1885–1968) Italian Argentinian poet
Siempre me fue más fácil amar que elogiar.
Voces (1943)
“Usually we only praise to be praised.”
François de La Rochefoucauld book Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
On ne loue d'ordinaire que pour être loué.
Maxim 146.
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims (1665–1678)
“Transported with the view, I'm lost
In wonder, love and praise.”
Joseph Addison (1672–1719) politician, writer and playwright
No. 453 (9 August 1712).
The Spectator (1711–1714)
Context: When all thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view, I'm lost
In wonder, love and praise.
“He who praises everybody praises nobody.”
Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer
Johnson's Works (1787), vol. XI, p. 216; This set included the Life of Samuel Johnson by Sir John Hawkins
“Some condemnations praise; some praise damns.”
François de La Rochefoucauld book Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Il y a des reproches qui louent et des louanges qui médisent.
Maxim 148.
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims (1665–1678)