This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
Nicholas Black Elk, formally Heȟáka Sápa
The Great Spirit is everywhere; he hears whatever is in our minds and hearts, and it is not necessary to speak to Him in a loud voice. Since the drum is often the only instrument used in our sacred rites, I should perhaps tell you here why it is especially sacred and important to us. It is because the round form of the drum represents the whole universe, and its strong beat is the pulse, the heart, throbbing at the center of the universe. It is as the voice of Wakan-Tanka, and this sound stirs us and helps us to understand the mystery and power of all things.
Heart | Important | Mystery | Power | Rites | Sacred | Sound | Spirit | Universe | Understand |
To fight is a radical instinct; if men have nothing else to fight over they will fight over words, fancies, or women, or they will fight because they dislike each other's looks, or because they have met walking in opposite directions. To know a thing down, especially if it is cocked at an arrogant angle, is a deep delight to the blood. To first for a reason and in a calculating spirit is something your true warrior despises.
Instinct | Looks | Men | Nothing | Reason | Spirit | Will | Words |
Since trifles make the sum of human things, and half our misery from our foibles springs; since life’s best joys consist in peace and ease, and few can save or serve, but all may please; Oh! let th’ ungentle spirit learn from hence a small unkindness is a great offense, large bounties to restore we wish in vain, but all may shun the guilt of giving pain.
Giving | Guilt | Life | Life | Offense | Pain | Peace | Spirit | Trifles | Unkindness | Learn |
Henry David Thoreau, born David Henry Thoreau
The spirit abhors a vacuum more than nature.
Henry David Thoreau, born David Henry Thoreau
The spirit can for the time pervade and control every member and function of the body, and transmute what in form is the grossest sensuality into purity and devotion.
Body | Control | Devotion | Purity | Sensuality | Spirit | Time |
Mirthfulness is in the mind, and you cannot get it out. It is the blessed spirit that God has sent in the mind to dust it, to enliven its dark places, and to drive asceticism, like a foul fiend, out at the back door. It is just as good in its placed as conscience or veneration. Praying can o more be made a substitute for smiling than smiling can for praying.
Asceticism | Conscience | God | Good | Mind | Spirit | God | Blessed |
Henry Kissinger, fully Henry Alfred Kissinger
The spirit of policy and that of bureaucracy are diametrically opposed… The essence of bureaucracy is its quest for safety; its success is calculability. Profound policy thrives on perpetual creation, on a constant redefinition of goals. Good administration thrives on routine, the definition of relationships which can survive mediocrity. Policy involves an adjustment of risks; administration, an avoidance of deviation.
Administration | Deviation | Goals | Good | Mediocrity | Policy | Spirit | Success |
True politeness is the spirit of benevolence showing itself in a refined way. It is the expression of good-will and kindness. It promotes both beauty in the man who possesses it, and happiness in those who are about him. It is a religious duty, and should be a part of religious training.
Beauty | Benevolence | Duty | Good | Kindness | Man | Spirit | Training | Will | Beauty | Politeness | Happiness |
When you introduce into our schools a spirit of emulation, you have present the keenest spur admissible to the youthful intellect.