Clayton Brannon

“The quality of authors determines the quality of books.
The quality of musicians determines the quality of songs.
The quality of artists determines the quality of paintings.
The quality of architects determines the quality of buildings.

The quality of generals determines the quality of warriors.
The quality of preachers determines the quality of sermons.
The quality of scientists determines the quality of inventions.
The quality of leaders determines the quality of followers.

The quality of scholars determines the quality of lectures.
The quality of teachers determines the quality of students.
The quality of schools determines the quality of graduates.
The quality of graduates determines the quality of nations.

The quality of plants determines the quality of air.
The quality of air determies the quality of animals.
The quality of animals determines the quality of food.
The quality of food determines the quality of the planet.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

“Rest is good, but laziness is not.
Labour is good, but slavery is not.
Wine is good, but drunkenness is not.
Food is good, but gluttony is not.
Money is good, but greed is not.
Wealth is good, but selfishness is not.
Beauty is good, but vanity is not.
Sex is good, but lust is not.
Pleasure is good, but sin is not.
Amusement is good, but decadence is not.
Fame is good, but self importance is not.
Confidence is good, but ego is not.
Eloquence is good, but flattery is not.
Charisma is good, but deception is not.
Ambition is good, but self interest is not.
Influence is good, but manipulation is not.
Authority is good, but tyranny is not.
Servitude is good, but bondage is not.
Admiration is good, but idolatry is not.
Law is good, but injustice is not.
Race pride is good, but bigotry is not.
Liberty is good, but recklessness is not.
Freedom is good, but unruliness is not.
Belief is good, but fanaticism is not.
Religion is good, but extremism is not.
Righteousness is good, but zealotry is not.
All is good, but in excess is not.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

“Tame the mind. Master the heart. Harness the body. Conquer the soul.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

“They have opinions, but no facts;
assumptions, but no proof;
information, but no reason;
arguments, but no evidence;
beliefs, but no wisdom;
counsel, but no guidance;
pleasures, but no peace;
luxuries, but no comfort;
toys, but no amusement;
laughter, but no peace;
entertainment, but no bliss;
and recreation, but no happiness.

They also have charm, but no integrity;
eloquence, but no logic;
knowledge, but no sense;
food, but no satisfaction;
money, but no peace;
property, but no contentment;
entertainment, but no enjoyment;
acquaintances, but no friends;
creeds, but no conviction;
religion, but no faith;
pride, but no confidence;
mansions, but no home;
relationships, but no marriage;
children, but no family;
laws, but no justice;
morals, but no compassion;
passion, but no love;
sleep, but no rest;
days, but no nights;
brains, but no heart;
and courage, but no soul.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo