John Ruskin

The first test of a truly great man is his humility. By humility I don't mean doubt of his powers or hesitation in speaking his opinion, but merely an understanding of the relationship of what he can say and what he can do.

There is no wealth but life.

Large fortunes are all founded either on the occupation of land, or lending or the taxation of labor.

Whereas it has long been known and declared that the poor have no right to the property of the rich, I wish it also to be known and declared that the rich have no right to the property of the poor.

Civilization is the making of civil persons.

The strength and power of a country depends absolutely on the quantity of good men and women in it.

What do we, as a nation, care about books? How much do you think we spend altogether on our libraries, public or private, as compared with what we spend on our horses?

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.

You might sooner get lightning out of incense smoke than true action or passion out of your modern English religion.

In general, pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.

A great thing can only be done by a great person; and they do it without effort.

He that would be angry and sin not, must not be angry with anything but sin.