Philosophers have widely differed as to the seat of the soul, and St. Paul has told us that out of the heart proceed murmurings; but there can be no doubt that the seat of perfect contentment is in the head, for every individual is thoroughly satisfied with his own proportion of brains.

Genius in one grand particular is like life. We know nothing of either but by their effects.

In all places, and in all times, those religionists who have believed too much have been more inclined to violence and persecution than those who have believed too little.

He that knows himself, knows others; and he that is ignorant of himself, could not write a very profound lecture on other men's heads.

The truly great consider, first, how they may gain the approbation of God, and, secondly, that of their own conscience. Having done this, they would then willingly conciliate the good opinion of their fellow-men. But the truly little reverse the thing. The primary object with them is to secure the applause of their fellow-men; and having effected this, the approbation of God and their own conscience may follow on as they can.

We are sure to be losers when we quarrel with ourselves; it is civil war.

Physical courage, which despises all danger, will make a man brave in one way; and moral courage, which despises all opinion, will make a man brave in another.