EPICTETUS 55-135AD

Greek sage and Stoic philosopher

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On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, inquire what power you have for turning it to use.

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HELEN KELLER 1880-1968

American deafblind author, political activist and lecturer

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Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see shadows.

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ROSEANNE BARR b.1952

 American actress, comedienne, writer and TV producer

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The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it.

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Chinese Proverb

It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

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THE SATURDAY POEM

Hope is the Thing

Emily Dickinson 1830-86

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

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OSCAR WILDE 1854-1900

Irish writer and poet

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The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.

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CONFUCIUS 551-479 BC

Chinese teacher, politician and philosopher

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It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. 

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MADELEINE L'ENGLE 1918-2007

American writer best known for young-adult fiction

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It's the ability to choose which makes us human.

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LEO TOLSTOY 1828-1910

Russian writer, moral thinker and social reformer

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The strongest of all warriors are these two - Time and Patience.

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JOHN KEATS 1795-1821

English romantic poet

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The only means of strengthening one's intellect is to make up one's mind about nothing - to let the mind be a thoroughfare for all thoughts.

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HARRIET BRAIKER d.2004

American psychologist, expert on stress management and author of self-help books

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Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection demoralises you.

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Arabian Proverb

Four things come not back: the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life and the neglected opportunity.

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THE SATURDAY POEM

Fire And Ice
Robert Frost 1874-1963

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

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MICHELANGELO 1475-1564

Italian sculptor, painter, architect, poet and engineer

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The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.

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J.B. PRIESTLEY 1894-1984

British novelist, playwright and broadcaster

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I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.

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JOHN BERRY 1635-89

English naval officer of the Royal Navy

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The bird of paradise alights only upon the hand that does not  grasp.

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CHRISTINE FEEHAN

American romance-paranormal writer

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Life gives us choices. You either grab on with both hands and just go for it, or you sit on the sidelines.
 

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SAMUEL JOHNSON 1709-84

English poet, essayist and moralist

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Nothing will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must first be overcome.

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T.S. ELIOT 1888-1965

American-born British poet

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To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate the beautiful thing : that is enough for one man's life.

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Chinese Proverb

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

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THE SATURDAY POEM

The Elixer

Emma Lazarus 1849-87

“Oh brew me a potion strong and good!
    One golden drop in his wine
Shall charm his sense and fire his blood,
    And  bend his will to  mine.”

Poor child of passion! ask of me
    Elixir of death or sleep,
Or Lethe’s stream; but love is free,
    And woman must wait and weep.

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MATT GROVES b1988

English professional footballer

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Winners lose much more often than losers. So, if you keep losing but you're still trying, keep it up! You're on the right track.

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LUCILLE BALL 1911-89

American comedienne, film and TV actress, and studio executive

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One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.

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