It has been remarked that almost every character which has excited either attention or pity has owed part of its success to merit, and part to a happy concurrence of circumstances in its favor. Had Caesar or Cromwell exchanged countries, the one might have been a sergeant and the other an exciseman.
Oliver GoldsmithRidicule has always been the enemy of enthusiasm, and the only worthy opponent to ridicule is success.
Oliver GoldsmithIn two opposite opinions, if one be perfectly reasonable, the other can't be perfectly right.
Oliver GoldsmithIll fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates, and men decay. Princes and lords may flourish or may fade,- A breath can make them, as a breath has made; But a bold peasantry, their country's pride, When once destroy'd, can never be supplied.
Oliver Goldsmith