Phil

“Such is the grasping tendency of the human heart, that it must have a something to lay hold of - and which, if wrested away without the substitution of another something in its place, would leave a void and a vacancy as painful to the mind, as hunger is to the natural system.”
― Thomas Chalmers, The Expulsive Power of a New Affection

“We cannot act with too much caution in our disputes. Anger produces anger; and differences, that might be accommodated by kind and respectful behavior, may, by imprudence, be enlarged to an incurable rage. In quarrels between countries, as well as in those between individuals, when they have risen to a certain height, the first cause of dissension is no longer remembered, the minds of the parties being wholly engaged in recollecting and resenting the mutual expressions of their dislike. When feuds have reached that fatal point, all considerations of reason and equity vanish; and a blind fury governs, or rather confounds all things. A people no longer regards their interest, but the gratification of their wrath.”
― John Dickinson, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies

“To divide, and thus to destroy, is the first political maxim in attacking those, who are powerful by their union. He certainly is not a wise man, who folds his arms, and reposes himself at home, viewing, with unconcern, the flames that have invaded his neighbor’s house, without using any endeavors to extinguish them.”
― John Dickinson, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies

“We affirm that mankind can best find happiness in the family. We believe that Christianity will preserve our identity. And we maintain that integrating Europe — in opposition to its peoples’ will — is preposterous.”
― Eduard Habsburg, The Habsburg Way: 7 Rules for Turbulent Times