The extent of poverty in the world is much exaggerated. Our sensitiveness makes half our poverty; our fears--anxieties for ills that never happen--a greater part of the other half.

The grandest of all laws is the law of progressive development. Under it, in the wide sweep of things, men grow wiser as they grow older, and societies better.

Hard workers are usually honest; industry lifts them above temptation.

Cheerfulness is an offshoot of goodness and of wisdom.

The legitimate aim of criticism is to direct attention to the excellent. The bad will dig its own grave, and the imperfect may safely be left to that final neglect from which no amount of present undeserved popularity can rescue it.

Contentment is not happiness. An oyster may be contented. Happiness is compounded of richer elements.

Complaint is. more contemptible than pitiful.