In how large a proportion of creatures is existence composed of one ruling passion, the most agonizing of all sensations--fear.

A fresh mind keeps the body fresh. Take in the ideas of the day, drain off those of yesterday.

In science, address the few, in literature the many. In science, the few must dictate opinion to the many; in literature, the many, sooner or later, force their judgement on the few.

Enthusiasm is the genius of sincerity and truth accomplishes no victories without it

To judge human character rightly, a man may sometimes have very small experience, provided he has a very large heart.

There are two lives to each of us, the life of our actions, and the life of our minds and hearts. History reveals men's deeds and their outward characters, but not themselves. There is a secret self that has its own life, unpenetrated and unguessed.

Nothing can constitute good-breeding that has not good-nature for its foundation.