We know that the gifts which men have do not come from the schools. If a man is a plain, literal, factual man, you can make a great deal more of him in his own line by education than without education, just as you can make a great deal more of a potato if you cultivate it than if you do not; but no cultivation in this world will ever make an apple out of a potato.
Henry Ward BeecherWhatever is almost true is quite false, and among the most dangerous of errors, because being so near truth, it is more likely to lead astray.
Henry Ward BeecherOnly have enough of little virtues and common fidelities, and you need not mourn because you are neither a hero nor a saint.
Henry Ward BeecherThere are three schoolmasters for everybody that will employ them - the senses, intelligent companions, and books.
Henry Ward BeecherDo not be troubled because you have not great virtues. God made a million spears of grass where He made one tree. The earth is fringed and carpeted, not with forests, but with grasses. Only have enough of little virtues and common fidelities, and you need not mourn because you are neither a hero or a saint.
Henry Ward Beecher