Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources / Including Phrases, Mottoes, Maxims, Proverbs, Definitions, Aphorisms, and Sayings of Wise Men, in Their Bearing on Life, Literature, Speculation, Science, Art, Religion, and Morals, Especially in the Modern Aspects of Them

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

48105

Title

Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources / Including Phrases, Mottoes, Maxims, Proverbs, Definitions, Aphorisms, and Sayings of Wise Men, in Their Bearing on Life, Literature, Speculation, Science, Art, Religion, and Morals, Especially in the Modern Aspects of Them

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Compiled by Rev. James Wood, this comprehensive volume gathers aphorisms, proverbs, and sayings from ancient and modern English and foreign sources. Covering life, literature, science, art, religion, and morals, the text offers a curated collection of portable wisdom designed to provide insight and edification for contemporary readers.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled by the Reverend James Wood, *Dictionary of Quotations from Ancient and Modern, English and Foreign Sources* serves as a comprehensive repository of human wisdom, bridging the gap between classical antiquity and the modern era. Published in 1893, this extensive volume gathers maxims, definitions, aphorisms, and proverbs from a diverse array of figures, ranging from ancient philosophers like Aristotle, Seneca, and Cicero to modern thinkers such as Goethe, Emerson, and Schiller. Wood's preface emphasizes the enduring value of these sayings, noting that while the authors vary, the truths they express remain instructive for the times. The collection is designed to glean materials from a wider area than previous compilations, specifically addressing the speculative and practical requirements of the late nineteenth century. The book is structured alphabetically by the initial words of the sayings, allowing readers to easily locate sentiments relevant to specific topics such as success, suffering, art, science, religion, and morality. To facilitate navigation beyond this alphabetical order, an appended topical index refers readers to subjects of significance without duplicating entries, thereby keeping the volume manageable. Wood deliberately avoids strict chapter or verse citations for most entries, prioritizing the independence and clarity of the quotations themselves. He argues that these aphorisms are self-contained and intelligible in their own light, possessing a quality that is brief in expression yet pointed in application. Wood's selection process was rigorous; he aimed to produce a work that embraced gleanings from different fields of literature, introducing as much modern wisdom as his limits allowed. He believed that the errors of a wise man are often more instructive than the truths of a fool, as retracing the footsteps of the former reveals whole provinces of the universe. By including both well-known proverbs and lesser-known modern insights, the work offers a broad spectrum of thought for contemplation. Whether simple enough for a child to understand or profound enough to challenge the clearest minds, the quotations are intended to be edifying, encouraging readers to consider the perspectives of wise men on vital interests. Ultimately, the volume functions as both a reference tool for specific phrases and a reflective guide, ensuring that the wisdom of the past remains pertinent to the present.

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Categories

• Quotations
• Aphorisms