After all, I believe it is the style of thought entirely, and the style of expression, which makes the difference in books.

A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority.

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

I have always endeavored to acquire strict business habits; they are indispensable to every man. If your trade is with the Celestial Empire, then some small counting house on the coast, in some Salem harbor, will be fixture enough.

The gifts of Heaven are never quite gratuitous.

Follow your genius closely enough, and it will not fail to show you a fresh prospect every hour.

Expect no trivial truth from me, unless I am on the witness- stand. I will come as near to lying as you can drive a coach and four.