If we commit any crime, or do any good here, it must be in thought; for our words are few and our deeds none at all.

Anger is the common refuge of insignificance. People who feel their character to be slight, hope to give it weight by inflation: but the blown bladder at its fullest distention is still empty.

Imagination frames events unknown, In wild, fantastic shapes of hideous ruin, And what it fears creates.

It is doing some service to humanity, to amuse innocently. They know but little of society who think we can bear to be always employed, either in duties or meditation, without relaxation.

Where evil may be done, it is right to ponder; where only suffered, know the shortest pause is much too long.

It is a sober truth that people who live only to amuse themselves work harder at the task than most people do in earning their daily bread.

Man can see his reflection in water only when he bends down close to it, and the heart of man, too, must lean down to the heart of his fellow; then it will see itself within his heart.