Thomas Traherne Quotes

A little grit in the eye destroyeth the sight of the very heavens, and a little malice or envy a world of joys. One wry principle in the mind is of infinite consequence.

An empty book is like an infant's soul, in which anything may be written. It is capable of all things, but containeth nothing. I have a mind to fill this with profitable wonders.

I will not by the noise of bloody wars and the dethroning of kings advance you to glory: but by the gentle ways of peace and love.

You never know yourself till you know more than your body.

The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.

More company increases happiness, but does not lighten or diminish misery.

To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious.

Had we not loved ourselves at all, we could never have been obliged to love anything. So that self-love is the basis of all love.

Happiness was not made to be boasted, but enjoyed. Therefore tho' others count me miserable, I will not believe them if I know and feel myself to be happy; nor fear them.

Is it not strange, that an infant should be heir of the whole world, and see those mysteries which the books of the learned never unfold?