Roots quotes

Roots

1.9K quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.

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Roots quotes (page 25 of 96)

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Charlotte Bronte Novelist, Poet
Roots

"Rochester: "I am no better than the old lightning-struck chestnut-tree in Thornfield orchard…And what right would that ruin have to bid a budding woodbine cover its decay with freshness?" Jane: "You are no ruin sir - no lighting-struck tree: you are green and vigorous. Plants will grow about your roots, whether you ask them or not, because they take delight in your bountiful shadow; and as they grow they will lean towards you, and wind round you, because your strength offers them so safe a prop."

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Bertrand Russell Philosopher, Mathematician
Roots

"The twin conceptions of sin and vindictive punishment seem to be at the root of much that is most vigorous, both in religion and politics."

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Bertrand Russell Philosopher, Mathematician
Roots

"It has become a commonplace that aggressiveness also often has its roots in fear. I am inclined to think that this theory has been pushed too far. [...] The type of aggressiveness that is the outcome of timidity is not, I think, that which inspires great leaders; the great leaders, I should say, have an exceptional self-confidence which is not only on the surface, but penetrates deep into the subconscious."

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Bill Taylor Businessman
Roots

"It is a cultural tradition that makes New Orleans what it is. It also represents the roots of American music and an important part of the African-American community in New Orleans. It unites people in some of the poorer neighborhoods of the city. It is absolutely critical to continue."

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Billy Graham Evangelist, Author
Roots

"The happiness for which our souls ache is one undisturbed by success or failure, one which will root deeply inside us and give inward relaxation, peace, and contentment, no matter what the surface problems may be. That kind of happiness stands in need on no outward stimulus."

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Bruce Willis Actor, Producer
Roots

"I never think there's any competition between films. I root for everybody's films. I especially have a fond place in my heart for graphic novels and comics."

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Aldous Huxley Novelist, Essayist
Roots

"The place is good. How good, one must have circumnavigated the globe to discover. Why not stay? Take root? But roots are chains. I have a terror of losing my freedom. Free, without ties, unpossessed by any possessions, free to do as one will, to go at a moment's notice wherever the fancy may suggest--it is good. But so is this place. Might it not be better? To gain freedom one sacrifices something [...] and all that these things and people signify. One sacrifices something--for a greater gain in knowledge, in understanding, in intensified living? I sometimes wonder."

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Ali Sina Philosopher, Writer
Roots

"Our sexuality is affected by our fantasies. Some of these fantasies have their roots in our childhood. We have the power to control our thoughts but many people don't do it because they get pleasure in their fantasies."

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Ali Velshi Journalist
Roots

"I think Canada has stayed true to its news roots better than the United States has, in many ways. So I think Al Jazeera America is going to look a lot like the news that Canadians are used to: longer stories, more investigation, deeper analysis, less partisan."

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Allen Tate Poet, Critic
Roots

"Our loss put six feet under ground Is measured by the magnolia's root; Our gain's the intellectual sound Of death's feet round a weedy tomb."

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Anais Nin Writer, Diarist
Roots

"Nothing endures unless it has first been transposed into a myth, and the great advantage of myths is that they are ladies with portable roots."

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Ayn Rand Philosopher, Novelist
Roots

"Pleasure is nought but virtue's gayer name-- I wrong her still, I rate her worth too low: Virtue the root, and pleasure is the flow'r."

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Ayn Rand Philosopher, Novelist
Roots

"You still love me - even if there's one expression of it that you will always feel and want, but will not give me no longer. I'm still what I was, and you'll always see it, and you'll always grant me the same response, even if there's a greater one that you grant another man. No matter what you feel for him, it will not change what you feel for me, and it won't treason to either, because it comes from the same root, it's the same payment in answer to the same values."

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Ayn Rand Philosopher, Novelist
Roots

"It's because...you see, if we had souls, which we haven't, and if our souls met--yours and mine--they'd fight to the death. But after they had torn each other to pieces, to the very bottom, they'd see that they had the same root."

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Alan Ball Screenwriter, Director, Producer
Roots

"I think all writers are armchair psychologists to some degree or another, and I think a character's sexuality is fascinating. It's a great way to really get at the root of their identity, because it's such a personal thing."

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Roots

"There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging principles of human nature. They are like gigantic trees that we sometimes see on the banks of a stream; which, by their vast and deep roots, penetrating through the mere surface, and laying hold on the very foundations of the earth, preserve the soil around them from being swept away by the ever-flowing current, and hold up many a neighboring plant, and perhaps worthless weed, to perpetuity."

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