Thomas Bulfinch Quotes

Powerful Thomas Bulfinch for Daily Growth

About Thomas Bulfinch

Thomas Bulfinch (1796-1867) was an American scholar and writer best known for his work "The Age of Fable" and its sequel "The Golden Age of Legend." Born on July 2, 1796, in Boston, Massachusetts, Bulfinch was a product of the intellectual climate of New England during the early 19th century. He received his education at Harvard College where he studied law before turning to literature as his primary pursuit. Bulfinch's first major work, "The Age of Fable," published in 1855, was a collection of mythology from ancient Greece and Rome, retold in simple, engaging prose for the enjoyment of young readers. This work became widely popular and helped to establish Bulfinch as one of America's leading literary figures. Influenced by the works of scholars such as Edmund Spenser, John Milton, and James Fenimore Cooper, Bulfinch sought to create a body of literature that was both entertaining and educational. His works, particularly "The Age of Fable," were intended to instill in young readers a love for literature, an appreciation for the classics, and a sense of moral values drawn from these ancient tales. In addition to his work on mythology, Bulfinch also made significant contributions to American history with his four-volume set "The History of the United States of America." This comprehensive account of the nation's history was published between 1845 and 1860 and remains a valuable resource today. Thomas Bulfinch died on December 29, 1867, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship and literature that continues to influence readers more than a century and a half later. His works, particularly "The Age of Fable," remain classics in the genre of mythology and continue to captivate readers young and old with their timeless stories and enduring wisdom.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Wealth is not to feed our egos, but to feed the soul."

This quote by Thomas Bulfinch emphasizes that wealth, or material possessions, should not be accumulated for personal satisfaction or ego gratification, but rather to nourish and uplift the spirit, enrich one's life experiences, and contribute positively to society. In other words, it suggests that true wealth lies in using resources to make a meaningful impact, foster personal growth, and cultivate a sense of fulfillment beyond mere worldly possessions.

"The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness."

The quote suggests a philosophical perspective on the nature of happiness, implying that true contentment doesn't necessarily rely on experiencing constant happiness. Instead, it underscores the value in understanding and accepting that periods of unhappiness or adversity are inevitable parts of life. This wisdom encourages individuals to find fulfillment not only in moments of joy but also in their ability to endure and grow from challenging experiences.

"Remember that 'tis sin to know what evil is and do it not."

This quote emphasizes the moral obligation of individuals who are aware of wrongdoing, to refrain from committing such acts. It suggests that knowledge of evil without action against it can itself be considered a sin, as one has the power to prevent harm yet chooses not to do so. Essentially, this quote calls for action based on ethical awareness and responsibility.

"Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world."

This quote by Thomas Bulfinch suggests that individuals with greatness possess an understanding that the intangible power of ideas, beliefs, and thoughts have a profound impact on the tangible world. In other words, it implies that the force of the human spirit, as expressed through one's thinking and imagination, can shape society, history, and the course of events more significantly than mere physical or material resources.

"The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do."

This quote by Thomas Bulfinch emphasizes the importance of brevity and clarity in communication. It suggests that the ability to express ideas succinctly without unnecessary words is highly valuable. A concise message can be more impactful, easier to understand, and less likely to cause confusion or misunderstanding than a longer one. In other words, being clear, precise, and direct in our speech and writing can make our communication more effective.

Religion united its influence with those of loyalty and love, and the order of knighthood, endowed with all the sanctity and religious awe that attended the priesthood, became an object of ambition to the greatest sovereigns.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Love, Religious, Attended, Priesthood

The word Chivalry is derived from the French cheval, a horse.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Horse, Word, Derived, Chivalry

For Mythology is the handmaid of literature; and literature is one of the best allies of virtue and promoters of happiness.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Best, Literature, Handmaid, Allies

The Romans held Britain from the invasion of Julius Caesar till their voluntary withdrawal from the island, A.D. 420,- that is, about five hundred years.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Romans, Hundred, Britain, Caesar

If no other knowledge deserves to be called useful but that which helps to enlarge our possessions or to raise our station in society, then Mythology has no claim to the appellation.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Other, Which, Deserves, Claim

Mail armor continued in general use till about the year 1300, when it was gradually supplanted by plate armor, or suits consisting of pieces or plates of solid iron, adapted to the different parts of the body.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Plates, Solid, Till, Adapted

Without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Own, Literature, Appreciated, Understood

It was not till toward the end of the thirteenth century that the prose romances began to appear.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Prose, Appear, Toward, Romances

The earliest form in which romances appear is that of a rude kind of verse.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Rude, Which, Appear, Romances

The preparatory education of candidates for knighthood was long and arduous.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Education, Candidates, Knighthood

Shields were generally made of wood, covered with leather, or some similar substance. To secure them, in some sort, from being cut through by the sword, they were surrounded with a hoop of metal.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Through, Some, Similar, Wood

It has, therefore, been a favorite boast of the people of Wales and Cornwall, that the original British stock flourishes in its unmixed purity only among them.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Original, Been, Flourishes, Cornwall

Thus we hope to teach mythology not as a study, but as a relaxation from study; to give our work the charm of a story-book, yet by means of it to impart a knowledge of an important branch of education.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Give, Study, Means, Impart

We thus see that the Greeks of the early ages knew little of any real people except those to the east and south of their own country, or near the coast of the Mediterranean.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Country, Real People, Thus, Near

The word knight, which originally meant boy or servant, was particularly applied to a young man after he was admitted to the privilege of bearing arms.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Meant, Which, Admitted, Knight

ON the decline of the Roman power, about five centuries after Christ, the countries of Northern Europe were left almost destitute of a national government.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Christ, Centuries, Almost, Destitute

The other classes of which society was composed were, first, freemen, owners of small portions of land, independent, though they sometimes voluntarily became the vassals of their more opulent neighbors, whose power was necessary for their protection.

- Thomas Bulfinch

Small, Other, Became, Composed

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