The truest self-respect is not to think of self.

Sharp men, like sharp needles, break easy, though they pierce quick.

A man should fear when he only enjoys what good he does publicly. Is it not the publicity rather than the charity he loves? Is it not vanity, rather than benevolence, that gives such charities?

We are not to make the ideas of contentment and aspiration quarrel, for God made them fast friends. A man may aspire, and yet be quite content until it is time to raise; and both flying and resting are but parts of one contentment. The very fruit of the gospel is aspiration. It is to the heart what spring is to the earth, making every root, and bud, and bough desire to be more.

Maple-trees are the cows of trees (spring-milked).

The most dangerous people are the ignorant.

Happiness is not the end of life: character is.