A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect.
Walter Scott

A rusty nail placed near a faithful compass, will sway it from the truth, and wreck the argosy.
Walter Scott

All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
Walter Scott

Discretion is the perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life.
Walter Scott

Each age has deemed the new-born year the fittest time for festal cheer.
Walter Scott

Faces that have charmed us the most escape us the soonest.
Walter Scott

For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.
Walter Scott

He is the best sailor who can steer within fewest points of the wind, and exact a motive power out of the greatest obstacles.
Walter Scott

He that climbs the tall tree has won right to the fruit, He that leaps the wide gulf should prevail in his suit.
Walter Scott

If a farmer fills his barn with grain, he gets mice. If he leaves it empty, he gets actors.
Walter Scott


If you once turn on your side after the hour at which you ought to rise, it is all over. Bolt up at once.
Walter Scott

It is wonderful what strength of purpose and boldness and energy of will are roused by the assurance that we are doing our duty.
Walter Scott

Look back, and smile on perils past.
Walter Scott

Love rules the court, the camp, the grove, And men below, and saints above: For love is heaven, and heaven is love.
Walter Scott

Many miles away there's a shadow on the door of a cottage on the Shore of a dark Scottish lake.
Walter Scott

O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!
Walter Scott

O! many a shaft, at random sent, Finds mark the archer little meant! And many a word, at random spoken, May soothe or wound a heart that's broken!
Walter Scott

Of all vices, drinking is the most incompatible with greatness.
Walter Scott

One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.
Walter Scott

One hour of life, crowded to the full with glorious action, and filled with noble risks, is worth whole years of those mean observances of paltry decorum, in which men steal through existence, like sluggish waters through a marsh, without either honor or observation.
Walter Scott