“The hours we pass with happy prospects in view are more pleasing than those crowded with fruition.”

Reflecting on the emotional power of anticipation compared with fulfilment · Prose work, commonly attributed to Oliver Goldsmith

• Hope
• Time

“To be instructed, one must first be willing to be instructed.”

Making receptiveness the necessary beginning of learning · Prose remark, commonly attributed to Oliver Goldsmith

• Childhood
• Truth

“Every absurdity has a champion to defend it; for error is always talkative.”

A sharp observation on the confidence with which foolish ideas are defended · Essay in The Bee

• Fame
• Truth

“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after.”

Suggesting that growth depends on humility and the example of others · The Vicar of Wakefield

• Friendship
• Truth

“Life is a journey that must be travelled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.”

A wry acknowledgement that endurance matters more than comfortable circumstances · Prose work, commonly attributed to The Citizen of the World

• Hope
• Life