For what are the triumphs of war, planned by ambition, executed by violence, and consummated by devastation? The means are the sacrifice of many, the end, the bloated aggrandizement of the few.
Charles Caleb ColtonThere are three kinds of power,--wealth, strength, and talent; but as old age always weakens, often destroys, the two latter, the aged are induced to cling with the greater avidity to the former.
Charles Caleb ColtonHe that studies books alone, will know how things ought to be; and he that studies men, will know how things are.
Charles Caleb ColtonThere are two principles of established acceptance in morals; first, that self-interest is the mainspring of all of our actions, and secondly, that utility is the test of their value.
Charles Caleb ColtonHonor is unstable and seldom the same; for she feeds upon opinion, and is as fickle as her food.
Charles Caleb ColtonHow small a portion of our life it is that we really enjoy! In youth we are looking forward to things that are to come; in old age we are looking backward to things that are gone past; in manhood, although we appear indeed to be more occupied in things that are present, yet even that is too often absorbed in vague determinations to be vastly happy on some future day when we have time.
Charles Caleb Colton