In New England they once ...

In New England they once thought blackbirds useless, and mischievous to the corn. They made efforts to destroy them. The consequence was, the blackbirds were diminished; but a kind of worm, which devoured their grass, and which the blackbirds used to feed on, increased prodigiously; then, finding their loss in grass much greater than their saving in corn, they wished again for their blackbirds.
In New England they once thought blackbirds useless, and mischievous to the corn. They made efforts to destroy them. The consequence was, the blackbirds were diminished; but a kind of worm, which devoured their grass, and which the blackbirds used to feed on, increased prodigiously; then, finding their loss in grass much greater than their saving in corn, they wished again for their blackbirds.

Quotes from the same author

One today is worth two tomorrows.
The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.
Watch the little things; a small leak will sink a great ship.
Honesty is the best policy.
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.