A failure establishes only this, that our determination to succeed was not strong enough.

Formerly when great fortunes were only made in war, war was a business; but now, when great fortunes are only made by business, business is war.

The trouble with men of sense is that they are so dreadfully in earnest all the while.

He presents me with what is always an acceptable gift who brings me news of a great thought before unknown. He enriches me without impoverishing himself. The judicious quoter, too, helps on what is much needed in the world, a freer circulation of good thoughts, pure feelings, and pleasant fancies.

Complaint is. more contemptible than pitiful.

A mother is the best friend God ever gave.

The Breath becomes a stone; the stone, a plant; the plant, an animal; the animal, a man; the man, a spirit; and the spirit, a god.