It is better to desire the things we have than to have the things we desire.
If only the best birds sang, the forest would be silent.
Culture is the habit of being pleased with the best and knowing why.
It is better to follow even the shadow of the best, than to remain content with the worst.
There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher.
The woods would be quiet if no bird sang but the one that sang best.