We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.

—Helen Keller

Our character… is an omen of our destiny, and the more integrity we have and keep, the simpler and nobler that destiny is likely to be.

—Helen Keller

So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.

—Helen Keller

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.

—Helen Keller

Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.

—Helen Keller

During [these] periods of relaxation after concentrated intellectual activity, the intuitive mind seems to take over and can produce the sudden clarifying insights which give so much joy and delight.

—Fritjof Capra

Short is the joy that guilty pleasure brings.

—Euripides

Do not judge men by mere appearances; for the light laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy.

—Edward Chapin

Give not over thy soul to sorrow; and afflict not thyself in thy own counsel. Gladness of heart is the life of man and the joyfulness of man is length of days.

—Ecclesiastes