That which makes people dissatisfied with their condition, is the chimerical idea they form of the happiness of others. – James Thomson
More firm and sure the hand of courage strikes, when it obeys the watchful eye of caution. – James Thomson
I know no subject more elevating, more amazing, more ready to the poetical enthusiasm, the philosophical reflection, and the moral sentiment than the works of nature. Where can we meet such variety, such beauty, such magnificence? – James Thomson
But who can paint like Nature? Can imagination boast, amid its gay creation, hues like hers? – James Thomson
Statues and pictures and verse may be grand, But they are not the Life for which they stand. – James Thomson
For life is but a dream whose shapes return, some frequently, some seldom, some by night and some by day. – James Thomson
The world rolls round forever like a mill; it grinds out death and life and good and ill; it has no purpose, heart or mind or will. – James Thomson
