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