...how deep the ruts of tradition and conformity!

The slight reproach to which the virtue of patriotism is commonly liable, the noble are most likely to incur.

It is said that the British Empire is very large and respectable, and that the United States are a first-rate power. We do not believe that a tide rises and falls behind every man which can float the British Empire like a chip, if he should ever harbor it in his mind.

However much we admire the orator's occasional bursts of eloquence, the noblest written words are commonly as far behind or abovethe fleeting spoken language as the firmament with its stars is behind the clouds.

Despair and postponement are cowardice and defeat. Men were born to succeed, not to fail.

It will always be found that one flourishing institution exists and battens on another mouldering one. The Present itself is parasitic to this extent.

No mortal is alert enough to be present at the first dawn of spring.