The greatest events of an age are its best thoughts. Thought finds its way into action.

A genuine passion is like a mountain stream; it admits of no impediment; it cannot go backward; it must go forward.

Common sense, alas in spite of our educational institutions, is a rare commodity.

Character is very much a matter of health.

The lively and mercurial are as open books, with the leaves turned down at the notable passages. Their souls sit at the windows of their eyes, seeing and to be seen.

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.

Music is the fourth great material want, first food, then clothes, then shelter, then music.