Quotes About Balance

If a man makes two-thirds of his existence subservient to one-third, for which admittedly he has no absolutely feverish zest, how can he hope to live fully and completely? He cannot.

It is a fine thing to be a walking encyclopaedia of philosophy, but if you happen to have no liking for philosophy, and to have a like for the natural history of street-cries, much better leave philosophy alone, and take to street-cries.

Long ago it had been discovered that without some crime or disorder, Utopia soon became unbearably dull.

Myron, like countless NCO's before him, had discovered the ideal compromise between power and responsibility.

The universe is full of energy, but much of it is at equilibrium. At equilibrium no energy can flow, and therefore it cannot be used for work, any more than the level waters of a pond can be used to drive a water-wheel. It is on the flow of energy out of equilibrium—the small fraction of "useful" energy, "exergy"—that life depends.

Because Nature always balances her books, the Sun lost some velocity in the transaction; but the effect would not be measurable for a few thousand years.

Martin's one of the nicest fellows you could meet, as long as you don't do it too often.

There is something very strange about a universe where a few dead butterflies can balance a billion-ton tower.

The recipe for a long, happy life: consult with old philosophers and young doctors, consort with old friends and young women.

But, of course, that's just how the Earth operates—on a slightly larger scale.

the equilibrium state of the cosmos is death….

Your society, at least what I have observed of it, seems not to understand the fundamental inconsistency between individual freedom and the common welfare.

ne of the most noticeable changes had been a slowing down of the mad tempo that had so characterized the twentieth century. Life was more leisurely than it had been for generations. It therefore had less zest for the few, but more tranquility for the many. Western man had relearned what the rest of the world had never forgotten; That there was nothing sinful in leisure as long as it did not degenerate into mere sloth.

If you sat down, you were heavier than when you stood up.

No: I am not tired. I have a curious constitution. I never remember feeling tired by work, though idleness exhausts me completely. ~ Sherlock Holmes

A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony.

A change of work is the best rest.

To let the brain work without sufficient material is like racing an engine. It racks itself to pieces.

Shall the world, then, be overrun by oysters?

The public, not unnaturally, goes upon the principle that he who would heal others must himself be whole.

When one tries to rise above Nature one is liable to fall below it.

To let the brain work without sufficient material is like racing an engine. It racks itself to pieces. The sea air, sunshine, and patience, Watson—all else will come.

Don't forget, Watson. You won't fail me. You never did fail me. No doubt there are natural enemies which limit the increase of the creatures. You and I, Watson, we have done our part. Shall the world, then, be overrun by oysters? No, no; horrible! You'll convey all that is in your mind.

Now, Watson, said he. Have you any change in your pocket? Yes. Any silver? A good deal. How many half-crowns? I have five. Ah, too few! Too few! How very unfortunate, Watson! However, such as they are you can put them in your watchpocket. And all the rest of your money in your left trouser pocket. Thank you. It will balance you so much better like that.