We may divide thinkers into those who think for themselves and those who think through others. The latter are the rule and the former the exception. The first are original thinkers in a double sense, and egotists in the noblest meaning of the word.

Every possession and every happiness is but lent by chance for an uncertain time, and may therefore be demanded back the next hour.

The more unintelligent a man is, the less mysterious existence seems to him.

What a man can do and suffer is unknown to himself till some occasion presents itself which draws out the hidden power. Just as one sees not in the water of an unruffled pond the fury and roar with which it can dash down a steep rock without injury to itself, or how high it is capable of rising; or as little as one can suspect the latent heat in ice-cold water.

As a general rule, the longer a man's fame is likely to last, the later it will be in coming; for all excellent products require time for their development.

To find out your real opinion of someone, judge the impression you have when you first see a letter from them.

To truth only a brief celebration of victory is allowed between the two long periods during which it is condemned as paradoxical, or disparaged as trivial.