Philosophical Sayings

241 sayings found from the Early Modern era from 14 authors

A conqueror's success is measured not by the number of enemies defeated, but by the hearts he has won.

— Hernan Cortes 16th century (approximate)
Philosophical

The true measure of a man is not in wealth or power but in the way he treats those who are less fortunate.

— Hernan Cortes 16th century (approximate)
Philosophical

recognising defeat as a momentary check, but never accepting it as final.

— Hernan Cortes 16th century (approximate)
Philosophical

He travels safest in the dark night who travels lightest.

— Hernan Cortes 16th century (approximate)
Philosophical

Better to die with honor than to live dishonored.

— Hernan Cortes 16th century (approximate)
Philosophical

It was so wonderful that I do not know how to describe this first glimpse of things never heard of, seen or dreamed of before.

— Hernan Cortes c. 1520 (describing Tenochtitlan)
Philosophical

How can anything good come if we do not return for the honour of God, that is, if we do not immediately fulfill our duty as Christians and civilizers?

— Hernan Cortes 16th century (approximate)
Philosophical

I would rather face a loaded cannon than settle a disputed account or make a bargain.

— James Watt c. 1775-1800
Philosophical

I know grief has its period; but I have much to suffer...

— James Watt c. 1769
Philosophical

My great success in life has been owing to my having paid attention to every detail.

— James Watt Undated
Philosophical

Nothing man has discovered or imagined is to be named with the steam engine. It has no fellow.

— James Watt c. late 18th/early 19th century
Philosophical

one of the most ingenious, simple pieces of mechanism I have contrived.

— James Watt 1784
Philosophical

I sell here, Sir, what all the world desires to have—POWER.

— James Watt 1776
Philosophical

When once the idea of the separate condensation was started, all these improvements followed as corollaries in quick succession, so that in the course of one or two days the invention was thus far complete in my mind, and I immediately set about an e…

— James Watt 1769 (describing 1765 event)
Philosophical

I had gone to take a walk on a fine Sabbath afternoon, early in 1765... I was thinking upon the engine at the time... when the idea came into my mind that as steam was an elastic body it would rush into a vacuum, and if a communication were made betw…

— James Watt 1765 (recollection published much later)
Philosophical

It does not matter what people DO; it only matters what they BELIEVE.

— Martin Luther c. 1530s-1540s
Philosophical

No other sin exists in the world save unbelief.

— Martin Luther c. 1530s-1540s
Philosophical

Sometimes it is necessary to commit some sin out of hatred and contempt for the Devil.

— Martin Luther 1521
Philosophical

You must say my sins are not mine; they are not in me at all; they are the sins of another; they are Christ's and none of my business.

— Martin Luther 1535
Philosophical

Christianity is nothing but a continual exercise in feeling that you have no sin although you sin, but that your sins are thrown on Christ.

— Martin Luther 1535
Philosophical
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