Cindy

“There are two passions which have a powerful influence in the affairs of men. These are ambition and avarice; the love of power and the love of money. Separately, each of these has great force in prompting men to action; but, when united in view of the same object, they have in many minds the most violent effects . . . And of what kind are the men that will strive for this profitable preeminence, through all the bustle of cabal, the heat of contention, the infinite mutual abuse of parties, tearing to pieces the best of characters? It will not be the wise and moderate, the lovers of peace and good order, the men fittest for the trust. It will be the bold and the violent, the men of strong passions and indefatigable activity in their selfish pursuits.”
― Walter Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

“I have an autoimmune disease because the only thing strong enough to kick my ass is me.”
― Marissa Eller, Joined at the Joints

“Franklin had Mrs. Dogood assert an attitude that would, with his encouragement, become part of the emerging American character: “I am . . . a mortal enemy to arbitrary government and unlimited power. I am naturally very jealous for the rights and liberties of my country; and the least appearance of an encroachment on those invaluable privileges is apt to make my blood boil exceedingly. I have likewise a natural inclination to observe and reprove the faults of others, at which I have an excellent faculty.” It was as good a description of the real Benjamin Franklin—and, indeed, of a typical American—as is likely to be found anywhere.”
― Walter Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

“We don’t always marry someone we can live with. We marry someone we can’t live without.”
― Karen White, The Attic on Queen Street