The object of ambition, unlike that of love, never being wholly possessed, ambition is the more durable passion of the two.

The more the merely human part of the poet remains a mystery, the more willing is the reverence given to his divine mission.

Power is so characteristically calm, that calmness in itself has the aspect of strength.

Vanity, indeed, is the very antidote to conceit; for while the former makes us all nerve to the opinion of others, the latter is perfectly satisfied with its opinion of itself.

The world thinks eccentricity in great things is genius, but in small things, only crazy.

What men want is not talent, it is purpose; in other words, not the power to achieve, but the will to labor.

Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength.