Death itself is less painful when it comes upon us unawares than the bare contemplation of it, even when danger is far distant.

Law, without force, is impotent.

People are generally better persuaded by the reasons which they have themselves discovered than by those which have come in to the mind of others.

It is not from space that I must seek my dignity, but from the government of my thought. I shall have no more if I possess worlds. By space the universe encompasses and swallows me up like an atom; by thought I comprehend the world.

Chance gives rise to thoughts, and chance removes them; no art can keep or acquire them.

Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful. Kind words also produce their own image on men's souls; and a beautiful image it is. They smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer.

The weather and my mood have little connection. I have my foggy and my fine days within me; my prosperity or misfortune has little to do with the matter.