Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach Quotes

Not what we experience, but how we perceive what we experience, determines our fate.

There is only one proof of ability - action.

We should always forgive. We should forgive the repentant for their sake, the unrepentant for our sake.

When the time comes in which one could, the time has passed in which one can.

You stay young as long as you can learn, acquire new habits, and suffer contradictions.

Happy slaves are the bitterest enemies of freedom.

When curiosity turns to serious matters, it's called research.

Little evil would be done in the world if evil never could be done in the name of good.

Nothing makes us more cowardly and unconscionable than the desire to be loved by everyone.

He who has trusted where he ought not will surely mistrust where he ought not.

Do not consider yourself deprived because your dreams were not fulfilled; the truly deprived have never dreamed.

If there is a believe that is capable to move mountains it is the believe in our own strength.

An intelligent woman has millions of born enemies... all the stupid men.

One thought cannot awake without awakening others.

What you wish to do you are apt to think you ought to do.

As far as your self-control goes, as far goes your freedom.

Have patience with the quarrelsomeness of the stupid. It is not easy to comprehend that one does not comprehend.

Many think that when they have confessed a fault there is no need of correcting it.

Many think they have a kind heart who have only weak nerves.

In youth we learn; in age we understand.

Between being able to and actually doing something lies an ocean, and on its bottom rests all too often the wreck of willpower.

The poor man wishes to conceal his poverty, and the rich man his wealth: the former fears lest he be despised, the latter lest he be plundered.

Generosity, to be perfect, should always be accompanied by a dash of humor.

Since the well-known victory over the hare by the tortoise, the descendants of the tortoise think themselves miracles of speed.

Those who cannot remember clearly their own childhood are poor educators.