We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
Aesop (620 BC - 560 BC), The Old Man and Death
Dreams are wishes your heart makes.
American Proverb
Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.
Demosthenes (384 BC - 322 BC), Third Olynthiac
The easiest thing of all is to deceive1 one's self; for what a man wishes he generally believes to be true.
Demosthenes (384 BC - 322 BC)
Great minds have purposes, others have wishes.
Washington Irving (1783 - 1859)
If wishes would prevail2 with me, my purpose should not fail with me.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), Henry V, Act III, sc. 2
Thy wish was father... to that thought.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), Henry IV, Part II, Act IV, 5
Where nothing wants that want itself doth seek.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), Love's Labour's Lost, Act IV, sc. 3
Wishers were ever fools.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), Antony and Cleopatra, Act IV, sc. 15
