That which distinguishes man from the brute is his power, in dealing with Nature, to milk her laws, and make them give forth their bounty.

Too much looking backward ... is bad for progress.

Nothing is orderly till man takes hold of it. Everything in creation lies around loose.

In this world, full often, our joys are only the tender shadows which our sorrows cast.

The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.

There is an army of waiters in this world.

This world is not a platform where you will hear Thalberg-piano-playing. It is a piano manufactory, where are dust and shavings and boards, and saws and files and rasps and sandpapers. The perfect instrument and the music will be hereafter.