I believe that any man's life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement, if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day, and as nearly as possible reaching the high-water mark of pure and useful living.

The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts.

My whole life has largely been one of surprises.

I let no man drag me down so low as to make me hate him.

There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, simple and useful life.

Of all forms of slavery there is none that is so harmful and degrading as that form of slavery which tempts one human being to hate another by reason of his race or color. One man cannot hold another man down in the ditch without remaining down in the ditch with him.

Political activity alone cannot make a man free. Back of the ballot, he must have property, industry, skill, economy, intelligence, and character.