Quotes About Control

We walk through life as if we had swallowed an Easter candle, rigid and tense, always afraid that things will get out of hand. This reaction is just as harmful as open rebellion, or even more so, because it blocks our way to religious maturation.

We have very little control over what happens in our lives, but we have a lot of control over how we integrate and remember what happens.

The problem, however, is that we not only want our freedom but also fear it.

As I reflect on this reality, it is clear that God is present in the events of my life, yet I act and speak as if I am in control. But

Quae quondam rerum naturam sola gubernas.

Men have become the tools of their tools.

I heartily accept the motto, That government is best which governs least; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe — That government is best which governs not at all; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.

What does education often do? It makes a straight-cut ditch of a free, meandering brook.

The rich man is always sold to the institution which makes him rich.

But lo! men have become the tools of their tools.

We have become the tool of our tools.

Men are not so much the keepers of herds as herds are the keepers of men.

It is hard to have a Southern overseer; it is worse to have a Northern one; but worst of all when you are the slave-driver of yourself.

But worst of all when you are the slave-driver of yourself

Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.

I was never molested by any person but those who represented the State.

That government is best that governs not at all.

That government is best which governs least; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—That government is best which governs not at all; and

Le meilleur gouvernement est celui qui ne gouverne pas du tout; et quand les hommes y seront prêts, tel sera le genres de gouvernement qu'ils auront. Un gouvernement, au mieux, n'est qu'un expédient ; mais la plupart d'entre eux sont d'habitude, et tous les gouvernements sont quelquefois nuisibles.

I love Nature partly because she is not man, but a retreat from him. None of his institutions control or pervade her. There a different kind of right prevails. In her midst I can be glad with an entire gladness. If this world were all man, I could not stretch myself, I should lose all hope.

I rejoice that horses and steers have to be broken before they can be made the slaves of men, and that men themselves have some wild oats still left to sow before they become submissive members of society.

out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe--That government is best which governs not at all;

This [...] government [...] has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man cam bend it to his will.

You conquer fate by thought.