![If a thing can be done adequately by means of one, it is superfluous to do it by means of several; for we observe that nature does not employ two instruments [if] one suffices.](/assets/img/quote-photos/if-a-thing-can-be-done-adequately-by-means-of-one-it-is-superfluous-to-do-it-by.jpg)
Related Quotes
mean secret purpose
None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them; such persons covet secrets as a spendthrift covets money, for the purpose of circulation. Charles Caleb Colton
mean men light
Alas! What is man? Whether he be deprived of that light which is from on high, of whether he discard it, a frail and trembling creature; standing on time, that bleak and narrow isthmus between two eternities, he sees nothing but impenetrable darkness on the one hand, and doubt, distrust, and conjecture, still more perplexing, on the other. Most gladly would he take an observation, as to whence he has come, or whither he is going; alas, he has not the means: his telescope is too dim, his compass too wavering, his plummet too short.
mean gossip secret
None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them.
mean advice asks
We ask advice but we mean approbation.
mean propriety disciple
Worldly wisdom dictates to her disciples the propriety of dressing somewhat beyond their means, but of living somewhat within them.
mean atheism knaves
He that dies a martyr proves that he was not a knave, but by no means that he was not a fool.
mean men dresses
It is not every man that can afford to wear a shabby coat; and worldly wisdom dictates to her disciples the propriety of dressing somewhat beyond their means, but of living somewhat within them,--for every one, sees how we dress, but none see how we live, except we choose to let them. But the truly great are, by universal suffrage, exempted from these trammels, an may live or dress as they please.
mean love-is effort
Constancy in love is a good thing; but it means nothing, and is nothing, without constancy in every kind of effort. Charles Dickens
mean land consideration
The main consideration with those who, possessing some capital, propose to emigrate as the means of improving their condition, is, the society likely to be found in the land fixed on for their future residence. Charles Sturt
two religion plunder
There are only two things in which the false professors of all religions have agreed--to persecute all other sects and to plunder their own.
two debt possession
There are two things that bestow consequence; great possession, or great debts.
two firsts quarrels
Two things, well considered, would prevent many quarrels: first, to have it well ascertained whether we are not disputing about terms, rather than things; and, secondly, to examine whether that on which we differ is worth contending about.
two iron gold
There are two metals, one of which is omnipotent in the cabinet, and the other in the camp--gold and iron. He that knows how to apply them both may indeed attain the highest station.
two together mistress
If often happens too, both in courts and in cabinets, that there are two things going on together,--a main plot and an under-plot; and he that understands only one of them will, in all probability, be the dupe of both. A mistress may rule a monarch, but some obscure favorite may rule the mistress.
two may acquaintance
Make the most of the day, by determining to spend it on two sorts of acquaintances only--those by whom something may be got, and those from whom something may be learned.
two people way
There are two way of establishing a reputation, one to be praised by honest people and the other to be accused by rogues. It is best, however, to secure the first one, because it will always be accompanied by the latter.
two literature may
The two most precious things this side of the grave are our reputation and our life. But it is to be lamented that the most contemptible whisper may deprive us of the one, and the weakest weapon of the other.
two small-changes society
That sort of half sigh, which, accompanied by two or three slight nods of the head, is pity's small change in general society.
done literature harm
When millions applaud you seriously ask yourself what harm you have done; and when they disapprove you, what good.
done lost
Nothing of what is nobly done is ever lost.
done half christ
If you are saved, the work is only half done until you are employed to bring others to Christ. Charles Spurgeon
done littles lord
Say much of what the Lord has done for you, but say little of what you have done for the Lord.
done soy christ
Mi fe no descansa en lo que soy, o lo que seré, o como me siento, o lo que sé, sino en lo que Cristo és, en lo que él ha hecho, y en lo que él está haciendo en mí - My faith rests not in what I am, or shall be, or feel, or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me.
done language human-nature
I don't speak anything very well. The longer that you travel, you find out that you really don't even need to speak the language to get around and get things done, to live in those places. If you're somewhat resourceful and perceptive, you're pretty much going to know what's going on because human nature is human nature: they understand it, you understand it, and it works. Alan Bishop
done doe drainage
I have done almost every human activity inside a taxi which does not require main drainage. Alan Brien
done court understood
Fortunately, the courts discharged me every time after they understood what I had done. Alain Robert
done
Being mystified is a good beginning, because you won't do what you've done before. Alan Alda