A man's wealth is measured by what he doesn't need.

There are old heads in the world who cannot help me by their example or advice to live worthily and satisfactorily to myself; but I believe that it is in my power to elevate myself this very hour above the common level of my life.

Men are born to succeed, not to fail.

The largest pond is as sensitive to atmospheric changes as the globule of mercury in its tube.

To what end do I lead a simple life at all, pray? That I may teach others to simplify their lives? - and so all our lives be simplified merely, like an algebraic formula? Or not, rather, that I may make use of the ground I have cleared to live more worthily and profitably?

I am sure that I never read any memorable news in a newspaper.

I do not know what right I have to so much happiness, but rather hold it in reserve till the time of my desert.