Quotes, and Passages

[StormKnight (1)]

I didn't see one of these in recent memory. We all have quotes and memorable passages around on our signatures, profiles, and the like. I thought it would be interesting to have a thread of quotes and passages that we see along the way that strikes a chord in us, regardless of whether it is humorous, inspiration, or just plain feels right. Just tell us where they came from (popular media, history, books, etc.) so we can read more.

From Babylon 5:

Declaration of Principles -- Interstellar Alliance

The Universe speaks in many languages,

but only one voice.

The language is not Narn, or Human, or Centauri, or Gaim or Minbari.

It speaks in the language of hope

It speaks in the language of trust

It speaks in the language of strength and the language of compassion

It is the language of the heart and the language of the soul

But always, it is the same voice

It is the voice of our ancestors, speaking through us,

And the voice of our inheritors, waiting to be born

It is the small, still voice that says:

We are One.

No matter the blood

No matter the skin

No matter the world

No matter the star

We are One.

No matter the pain

No matter the darkness

No matter the loss

No matter the fear:

We are One.

Here, gathered together in common cause.

We agree to recognize this singular truth and this singular rule:

That we must be kind to one another because each voice enriches us and ennobles us and each voice lost diminishes us

We are the voice of the Universe, the soul of creation, the fire that will light the way to a better future

We are One.

We are One.

No matter the pain

No matter the darkness

No matter the loss

No matter the fear

We are One, here, gathered together in common cause.

We agree to recognize this singular truth and this singular rule.

[Azeuron]

A toll is a toll.

And a roll is a roll

if we dont get no tolls

then we don't eat no rolls

[jynxxxedangel]

Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love,

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

[StormKnight (1)]

Greatness is never appreciated in youth, called pride in midlife, dismissed in old age, and reconsidered in death. Because we can not tolerate greatness in our midst, we do all we can to destroy it.

--Babylon 5, "Point of No Return"