Rare almost as great poets, rarer, perhaps, than veritable saints and martyrs; are consummate men of business. A man, to be excellent in this way, requires a great knowledge of character, with that exquisite tact which feels unerringly the right moment when to act. A discreet rapidity must pervade all the movements of his thought and action. He must be singularly free from vanity, and is generally found to be an enthusiast who has the art to conceal his enthusiasm.

Few have wished for memory so much as they have longed for forgetfulness.

Some persons, instead of making a religion for their God, are content to make a god of their religion.

It has been said with some meaning that if men would but rest in silence, they might always hear the music of the spheres.

Extremely foolish advice is likely to be uttered by those who are looking at the laboring vessel from the land.

To hear always, to think always, to learn always, it is thus that we live truly. He who aspires to nothing, who learns nothing, is not worthy of living.

The man of the house can destroy the pleasure of the household, but he cannot make it. That rests with the woman, and it is her greatest privilege.