We lose the peace of years when we hunt after the rapture of moments.

If aught be worse than failure from overstress of a life's prime purpose, it is to sit down content with a little success.

A man's ancestry is a positive property to him.

Death is the only monastery; the tomb is the only cell, and the grave that adjoins the convent is the bitterest mock of its futility.

Beside one deed of guilt, how blest is guiltless woe!

The desire of excellence is the necessary attribute of those who excel. We work little for a thing unless we wish for it. But we cannot of ourselves estimate the degree of our success in what we strive for; that task is left to others. With the desire for excellence comes, therefore, the desire for approbation. And this distinguishes intellectual excellence from moral excellence; for the latter has no necessity of human tribunal; it is more inclined to shrink from the public than to invite the public to be its judge.

It is difficult to say who do you the most mischief, enemies with the worst intentions, or friends with the best.