Robert Service

A promise made is a debt unpaid.

It’s the steady, quiet, plodding ones who win in the lifelong race.

Be sure your wisest words are those you do not say.

His life, though none too long, Was never dull: Of woman, wine and song Bill had his full.

No man can be a failure if he thinks he’s a success; If he thinks he is a winner, then he is.

Avoid extremes: be moderate In saving and in spending; An equable and easy gait Will win an easy ending.

Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out – it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.

I have some friends, some honest friends, and honest friends are few; My pipe of briar, my open fire, A book that’s not too new.