There is nothing good in this world which time does not improve.

Looking forward into an empty year strikes one with a certain awe, because one finds therein no recognition. The years behind have a friendly aspect, and they are warmed by the fires we have kindled, and all their echoes are the echoes of our own voices.

The world is not so much in need of new thoughts as that when thought grows old and worn with usage it should, like current coin, be called in, and, from the mint of genius, reissued fresh and new.

Fame is but an inscription on a grave, and glory the melancholy blazon on a coffin lid.

If the egotist is weak, his egotism is worthless. If the egotist is strong, acute, full of distinctive character, his egotism is precious, and remains a possession of the race.

A man can bear a world's contempt when he has that within which says he's worthy. When he contemns himself, there burns the hell.

A man does not plant a tree for himself; he plants it for posterity.