David Starr Jordan Quotes & Sayings

The physiological law of Transfer of Energy is the basis of human success and happiness. There is no action without expenditure of energy, and if energy be not expended the power to generate it is lost. This law shows itself in a thousand ways in the life of man. The arm which is not used becomes palsied. The wealth which comes by chance weakens and destroys. The good which is unused turns to evil. The charity which asks no effort cannot relieve the misery she creates. — David Starr Jordan

To say no at the right time, and then stand by it, is the first element of success. He is the wise man who, for all his life, can keep mind and soul and body clean. — David Starr Jordan

There is no pleasure in life equal to that of the conquest of a vicious habit. — David Starr Jordan

No one can afford to look downward for his enjoyments. — David Starr Jordan

Whatever is not nailed down is mine." This is the motto of the exploiter. "Whatever can be pried loose is not nailed down." This is the second maxim in a country where people are rich, caring little in their present prosperity what shall become of the future. — David Starr Jordan

The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows whither he is going. — David Starr Jordan

Rome endured as long as there were Romans. America will endure as long as we remain American in spirit and in thought. — David Starr Jordan

When a dog barks at the moon, then it is religion; but when he barks at strangers, it is patriotism! — David Starr Jordan

"I am not much of a mathematician," said the cigarette, "but I can add to a man's nervous troubles, I can subtract from his physical energy, I can multiply his aches and pains, I can divide his mental powers, I take interest from his work, and discount his chances for success." — David Starr Jordan

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; Skill is knowing how to do it, and Virtue is doing it. — David Starr Jordan

There is no real exellence in all this world which can be separated from right living. — David Starr Jordan

Wisdom is knowing. Skill is know how to do it. Virtue is doing it. — David Starr Jordan

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. — David Starr Jordan

No one is really miserable who has not tried to cheapen life. — David Starr Jordan

Our country is now at war and the only way out is forward. I would not change one word I have spoken against war but that is no longer the issue. We must now stand together. — David Starr Jordan

Be a life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for. — David Starr Jordan

All war is murder, robbery, trickery, and no nation ever escaped losses of men, prosperity and virility. War knows no victor. — David Starr Jordan

The problem of life is not to make life easier, but to make men stronger. — David Starr Jordan

Whatever you attempt, go at it with spirit. — David Starr Jordan

There cannot be perfect civilization until Man realizes that the rights of every living creature are as sacred as his own. — David Starr Jordan