Experience shows that success is due less to ability than to zeal.

All movement, of every creature, comes from the desire after something better.

Bad temper is its own scourge. Few things are more bitter than to feel bitter. A man's venom poisons himself more than his victim.

In one family, every little plan or question is discussed amid bickering and irritation. In another, without the least effort, every discussion goes on amid perfect peace. This is just as easy, and infinitely more agreeable: only, in many homes it does not happen to be the family habit.

In life, as in Chess, ones own Pawns block ones way. A mans very wealth, ease, leisure, children, books, which should help him to win, more often checkmate him

A large family party is rather too much like a flight of tomtits; everlasting twitter, but no conversation; gregariousness without companionship.

Few things are more bitter than to feel bitter.