If I were to prescribe one process in the training of men which is fundamental to success in any direction, read more

If I were to prescribe one process in the training of men which is fundamental to success in any direction, it would be thoroughgoing training in the habit of accurate observation. It is a habit which every one of us should be seeking ever more to perfect.

Three brothers, three fortresses

Three brothers, three fortresses

He who can take no great interest in what is small will take false interest in what is great.

He who can take no great interest in what is small will take false interest in what is great.

You can observe a lot by just watching.

You can observe a lot by just watching.

The observation of nature is part of an artist's life, it enlarges his form [and] knowledge, keeps him fresh and read more

The observation of nature is part of an artist's life, it enlarges his form [and] knowledge, keeps him fresh and from working only by formula, and feeds inspiration.

We don't know who discovered water, but we know it wasn't the fish.

We don't know who discovered water, but we know it wasn't the fish.

We are very much what others think of us. The reception our observations meet with gives us courage to proceed, read more

We are very much what others think of us. The reception our observations meet with gives us courage to proceed, or damps our efforts.

He alone is an acute observer, who can observe minutely without being observed

He alone is an acute observer, who can observe minutely without being observed

The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And, because we fail read more

The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And, because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change until we notice how our failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds.