Ezra Pound Quotes

Civilization depends on morality.

As a society, we come up lacking in many of the marks of compassion and wisdom by which we measure ourselves as civilized.

Good character consists of recognizing the selfishness that inheres in each of us and trying to balance it against the altruism to which we should all aspire. It is a difficult balance to strike, but no definition of goodness can be complete without it.

Next to power without honor, the most dangerous thing in the world is power without humor.

I believe with all my heart that civilization has produced nothing finer than a man or woman who thinks and practices true tolerance.

Power is dangerous unless you have humility.

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.

We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.

True wisdom listens more, talks less and can get along with all types of people.

It's bad taste to be wise all the time, like being at a perpetual funeral.

I've learned that intelligence alone doesn't mean a damn thing. It only leads to violence and pain.

More by example than by word, my father taught me logical reasoning, compassion, love of others, honesty, and discipline applied with understanding.

I think what is British about me is my feelings and awareness of others and their situations. English people are always known to be well mannered and cold but we are not cold - we don't interfere in your situation. If we are heartbroken, we don't scream in your face with tears - we go home and cry on our own.

Lord, give us the wisdom to utter words that are gentle and tender, for tomorrow we may have to eat them.

When you handle yourself, use your head; when you handle others, use your heart.

We grow a little every time we do not take advantage of somebody's weakness.

Having two ears and one tongue, we should listen twice as much as we speak.

It will define us as a civilized and ethical society forever in the eyes of history.

What you do not wish others to do to you, do not to other men.

He who is strong, concedes.

Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked.

Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.

Wisdom and compassion should become the dominating influences that guide our thoughts , our words, and our actions.

Tsze-Kung asked, “Is there one word with which to act in accordance throughout a lifetime?” The Master said, “Is not reciprocity such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

The real index of civilization is when people are kinder than they need to be.