You know what the Englishman's idea of compromise is? He says, Some people say there is a God. Some people say there is no God. The truth probably lies somewhere between these two statements.

If suffering brings wisdom, I would wish to be less wise.

Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart. O when may it suffice?

Once you attempt legislation upon religious grounds, you open the way for every kind of intolerance and religious persecution.

In dreams begins responsibility.

Irish poets, learn your trade, sing whatever is well made, scorn the sort now growing up all out of shape from toe to top.

Joy is of the will which labours, which overcomes obstacles, which knows triumph.

Life is a long preparation for something that never happens.

You that would judge me, do not judge alone this book or that, come to this hallowed place where my friends' portraits hang and look thereon; Ireland's history in their lineaments trace; think where man's glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends.

Nor dread nor hope attend a dying animal; a man awaits his end dreading and hoping all.

The light of lights looks always on the motive, not the deed, the shadow of shadows on the deed alone.

One should not lose one's temper unless one is certain of getting more and more angry to the end.

Out of Ireland have we come, great hatred, little room, maimed us at the start. I carry from my mother's womb a fanatic heart.

People who lean on logic and philosophy and rational exposition end by starving the best part of the mind.

Take, if you must, this little bag of dreams, Unloose the cord, and they will wrap you round.