Source: Little Women (1868), Ch. 36 : Beth's Secret
Context: Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety. It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations. Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come. She did not rebuke Jo with saintly speeches, only loved her better for her passionate affection, and clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself. She could not say, "I'm glad to go," for life was very sweet for her. She could only sob out, "I try to be willing," while she held fast to Jo, as the first bitter wave of this great sorrow broke over them together.
Source: Red Mars (1992), Chapter 6, “Guns Under the Table” (p. 461)
September 27, 2010. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2010/09/28/democrats_in_denial_about_unpopular_policies.html
“It is easier not to speak a word at all than to speak more words than we should.”
Book I, ch. 20.
The Imitation of Christ (c. 1418)
“Is sincerity a virtue by itself? A serial killer has also acted sincerely.”
Oluşmak (To Become) Aphorisms (Pan Publishing House, Istanbul, 2011)
Source: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
“Talk about it as much as you like,—one's breeding shows itself nowhere more than in his religion.”
The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table (1858)
“Have more than you show,
Speak less than you know.”
“Nothing more exhilarating… than saving yourself by the simple act of waking.”
Source: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
