A birthday is a good time to begin a new; throwing away the old habits, as you would old clothes, and never putting them again.

We climb to heaven most often on the ruins of our cherished plans, finding our failures were successes.

Our notion of the perfect society embraces the family as its center and ornament, and this paradise is not secure until children appear to animate and complete the picture.

Our ideals are our better selves.

Our favorites are few; since only what rises from the heart reaches it, being caught and carried on the tongues of men wheresoever love and letters journey.

The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-trust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciples.

All unrest is but the struggle of the soul to reassure herself of her inborn immortality.