Authors by alphabet: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

(1809 – 1894) An American physician, poet, professor, lecturer, and author. Regarded by his peers as one of the best writers of the 19th century, he is considered a member of the Fireside Poets. His most famous prose works are the "Breakfast-Table" series. He is also recognized as an important medical reformer. He is also a father of US Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

A person is always startled when he hears himself called old for the first time.

Be polite and generous, but don't undervalue yourself. You will be useful, at any rate; you may just as well be happy, while you are about it.

Every real thought on every real subject knocks the wind out of somebody or other.

Fame usually comes to those who are thinking about something else.

Fresh air is good if you do not take too much of it; most of the achievements and pleasures of life are in bad air.

Grow we must, if we outgrow all that loves us.

Happiness consists in activity. It is running steam, not a stagnant pool.

Have the courage to act instead of react.

Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow.

Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness.