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

The desire of excellence is the necessary attribute of those who excel. We work little for a thing unless we wish for it.

A man is already of consequence in the world when it is known that we can implicitly rely upon him. Often I have known a man to be preferred in stations of honor and profit because he had this reputation: When he said he knew a thing, he knew it, and when he said he would do a thing, he did it.

Youth is in danger until it learns to look upon debts as furies.

Man only of all earthly creatures, asks, Can the dead die forever? - and the instinct that urges the question is God's answer to man, for no instinct is given in vain.

The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself.

Agreeable surprises are the perquisites of youth.