Most events recorded in history are more remarkable than important, like eclipses of the sun and moon, by which all are attracted,but whose effects no one takes the trouble to calculate.
Henry David ThoreauWhat recommends commerce to me is its enterprise and bravery. It does not clasp its hands and pray to Jupiter.
Henry David ThoreauI have made a very rude translation of the Seven against Thebes, and Pindar too I have looked at, and wish he was better worth translating. I believe even the best things are not equal to their fame. Perhaps it would be better to translate fame itself,--or is not that what the poets themselves do? However, I have not done with Pindar yet.
Henry David Thoreau