None of the modern machines, none of the modern paraphernalia. . . have any power except over the people who choose to use them.

We're all in the same boat, and we're all seasick.

Who would condescend to strike down the mere things that he does not fear? Who would debase himself to be merely brave, like any common prizefighter? Who would stoop to be fearless--like a tree? Fight the thing that you fear. You remember the old tale of the English clergyman who gave the last rites to the brigand of Sicily, and how on his death-bed the great robber said, 'I can give you no money, but I can give you advice for a lifetime: your thumb on the blade, and strike upwards.' So I say to you, strike upwards, if you strike at the stars.

If prosperity is regarded as the reward of virtue it will be regarded as the symptom of virtue.

No man knows he is young while he is young.

When a politician is in opposition he is an expert on the means to some end; and when he is in office he is an expert on the obstacles to it.

The great saint may be said to mix all his thoughts with thanks. All goods look better when they look like gifts.