We ought to esteem it of the greatest importance that the fictions which children first hear should be adapted in the most perfect manner to the promotion of virtue.
Plato

Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.
Plato

This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he is a protector.
Plato

I wonder what fool it was that first invented kissing.
Jonathan Swift

He was a bold man that first eat on oyster.
Jonathan Swift

Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child.
Michael Jackson

Now, the essence, the very spirit of Christmas is that we first make believe a thing is so, and lo, it presently turns out to be so.
Stephen Leacock

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.
Karl Marx

A commodity appears at first sight an extremely obvious, trivial thing. But its analysis brings out that it is a very strange thing, abounding in metaphysical subtleties and theological niceties.
Karl Marx

The first requisite for the happiness of the people is the abolition of religion.
Karl Marx

Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.
Charles de Gaulle

The first thing the secretary types is the boss.
Donald Trump

We don't believe in rheumatism and true love until after the first attack.
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.
Saint Augustine

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.
Saint Augustine

The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.
Saint Augustine

One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between Man and Nature shall not be broken.
Leo Tolstoy

Whenever a thing is done for the first time, it releases a little demon.
Emily Dickinson

Illusion is the first of all pleasures.
Voltaire

What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly - that is the first law of nature.
Voltaire