You must get your living by loving. But as it is said of the merchants that ninety-seven in a hundred fail, so the life of men generally, tried by this standard, is a failure, and bankruptcy may be surely prophesied.

I do not speak to those who are well employed, in whatever circumstances, and they know whether they are well employed or not; but mainly to the mass of men who are discontented, and idly complaining of the hardness of their lot or of the times, when they might improve them.

We 've wholly forgotten how to die. But be sure you do die nevertheless. Do your work, and finish it. If you know how to begin, you will know when to end.

I am still a learner, not a teacher, feeding somewhat omnivorously, browsing both stalk & leaves

There is always some accident in the best things, whether thoughts or expressions or deeds. The memorable thought, the happy expression, the admirable deed are only partly ours.

Some show their kindness to the poor by employing them in their kitchens. Would they not be kinder if they employed themselves there?

It is true, I never assisted the sun materially in his rising, but doubt not, it was of the last importance only to be present at it.