Quote

It is with rivers as it is with people: the greatest are not always the most agreeable nor the best to live with.

Henry Van Dyke

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Henry Van Dyke
Age: 80 †
Born: 1852
Born: November 10
Died: 1933
Died: April 10
Diplomat
Poet
Writer
Germantown
Philadelphia
Environmental
Rivers
Greatest
Reality
Best
Live
Always
People
Agreeable

More quotes by Henry Van Dyke

Image
For real company and friendship, there is nothing outside the animal kingdom that is comparable to a river.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Even if we should find another Eden, we would not be fit to enjoy it perfectly nor stay in it forever.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Man said, I am tired of kings! Sons of the robber-chiefs of yore, They make me pay for their lust and their war I am the puppet, they pull the strings The blood of my heart is the wine they drink. I will govern myself for awhile I think, And see what that brings!
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Count not the cost of honour to the dead!The tribute that a mighty nation paysTo those who loved her well in former daysMeans more than gratitude for glories fledFor every noble man that she hath bred,Lives in the bronze and marble that we raise,Immortalised by art's immortal praise,To lead our sons as he our fathers led.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Heaven often seems distant and unknown, but if He who made the road... is our guide, we need not fear to lose the way.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Half of the secular unrest and dismal, profane sadness of modern society comes from the vain ideas that every man is bound to be a critic for life.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
There is no conflict between the Old and the New the conflict is between the False and the True.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
To desire and strive to be of some service to the world, to aim at doing something which shall really increase the happiness and welfare and virtue of mankind - this is a choice which is possible for all of us and surely it is a good haven to sail for.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
For ever so our thoughtful hearts repeatOn fields of triumph dirges of defeatAnd still we turn on gala-days to treadAmong the rustling memories of the dead.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
No amount of energy will take the place of thought. A strenuous life with its eyes shut is a kind of wild insanity.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
We measure success by accumulation. The measure is false. The true measure is appreciation. He who loves most has most.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
The worlds in which we live at heart are one, The world I am, the fruit of I have done And underneath these worlds of flower and fruit, The world I love,--the only living root.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
So in the heart, When, fading slowly down the past, Fond memories depart, And each that leaves it seems the last Long after all the rest are flown, Returns a solitary tone,— The after-echo of departed years,— And touches all the soul to tears.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Favorite People, Favorite Places, Favorite Memories of the past ... These are the joys of a lifetime Those are the things that last
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Love is the heart s immortal thirst to be completely known and all forgiven.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Flowers rejoice when night is done, Lift their heads to greet the sun Sweetest looks and odours raise, In a silent hymn of praise.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Death comes in its own time, in its own way.Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
A flawless cup: how delicate and fine The flowing curve of every jewelled line! Look, turn it up or down, 'tis perfect still-- But holds no drop of life's heart-warming wine.
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Natural beauty and wonder are priceless heirlooms which God has bestowed upon our nation. How shall we escape the contempt of the coming generation if we suffer this irreplaceable heritage to be wasted?
Henry Van Dyke
Image
Let me but find it in my heart to say, When vagrant wishes beckon me astray, This is my work my blessing, not my doom Of all who live, I am the one by whom This work can best be done in the right way.
Henry Van Dyke