"Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct." — Thomas Jefferson

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife

Source: Pride and Prejudice (1813)

Those who restrain their desires, do so because theirs is weak enough to be restrained

Plenty of people wish to become devout, but no one wishes to be humble

It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little

Man's desires are limited by his perceptions; none can desire what he has not perceived.

As is your sort of mind, so is your sort of search: You'll find what you desire

Thomas Jefferson Quote