Pettiness

Those who occupy their minds with small matters, generally become incapable of greatness.

François de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680) French writer.

Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year's time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings.

André Maurois (1885-1967) French writer.

How full of trifles everything is! It is only one's thoughts that fill a room with something more than furniture.

Wallace Stevens (1879-1955) American Modernist poet.