Example has more followers than reason. We unconsciously imitate what pleases us, and approximate to the characters we most admire.

There are ceremonious bows that repel one like a cudgel.

Out of politics comes more uproar than progress. It is indeed surprising how little, comparatively, this noisy department of human affairs contributes to the world's prosperity. Political commotions upon the grandest scale, political events of astounding suddenness, political characters of the greatest ability, abound, but still, permanent results are rare, and we look in vain for a measure of public good corresponding in extent to the hideous rout which ushers it in. Progress but turns upon its pillow, and goes to sleep again.

It is our relation to circumstances that determine their influence over us. The same wind that blows one ship into port may blow another off shore.

False friends are like our shadow, keeping close to us while we walk in the sunshine, but leaving us the instant we cross into the shade.

At the best, sarcasms, bitter irony, scathing wit, are a sort of swordplay of the mind. You pink your adversary, and he is forthwith dead; and then you deserve to be hung for it.

Good men have the fewest fears. He has but one great fear who fears to do wrong; he has a thousand who has overcome it.