Each state of the human mind has some parable in the physical creation by which it is shadowed forth; nor is it only artists and poets, but even the most abstract thinkers that have drawn from this source. Lively activity we name fire; time is a stream that rolls on, sweeping all before it; eternity is a circle; a mystery is hid in midnight gloom, and truth dwells in the sun. Nay, I begin to believe that even the future destiny of the human race is prefigured in the dark oracular utterances of bodily creation.

The world's history is constant, like the laws of nature, and simple, like the souls of men. The same conditions continually produce the same results.

Disappointments are to the soul what a thunderstorm is to the air.

The greater part of humanity is too much harassed and fatigued by the struggle with want, to rally itself for a new and sterner struggle with error.

O jealousy! thou magnifier of trifles.

Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily.

Against stupidity, God Himself fights in vain.