Christian Nestell Bovee (February 22, 1820 – January 18, 1904) was an epigrammatic New York City writer. He was born in New York City.
What we call conscience in many instances, is only a wholesome fear of the law.
Excellence in art is largely the result of attention to minutiae, and--prayer.
The best evidence of merit is a cordial recognition of it whenever and wherever it may be found.
Hard workers are usually honest; industry lifts them above temptation.
Hope is the best part of our riches. What sufficeth it that we have the wealth of the Indies in our pockets, if we have not the hope of heaven in our souls?
Wine is a treacherous friend who you must always be on guard for.
In one important respect a man is fortunate in being poor. His responsibility to God is so much the less
Character is very much a matter of health.
Ambitious princes value inherited kingdoms not so much as conquered provinces.
The cure for tender sensibilities is to make more of our objects and less of our selves.
There is great beauty in going through life without anxiety or fear. Half our fears are baseless, and the other half discreditable.
I once asked a distinguished artist what place he gave to labor in art. "Labor," he in effect said, "is the beginning, the middle, and the end of art. " Turning then to another--"And you," I inquired, "what do you consider as the great force in art?" "Love," he replied. In their two answers I found but one truth.
The scope of an intellect is not to be measured with a tape-string, or a character deciphered from the shape or length of a nose.
Contentment is not happiness. An oyster may be contented. Happiness is compounded of richer elements.
Troubles forereckoned are doubly suffered.
Hope is the best part of our riches.
Six traits of effective leaders: 1. Make others feel important 2. Promote a vision 3. Follow the golden rule 4. Admit mistakes 5. Criticize others only in private 6. Stay close to the action Example has more followers than reason. We unconsciously imitate what pleases us, and approximate to the characters we most admire.
A peculiar work in any art must not be too hastily judged. New styles have to create new tastes.
Enthusiasm is the inspiration of everything great. Without it no man is to be feared, and with it none despised.
Earth took her shining station as a star, In Heaven's dark hall, high up the crowd of worlds.