A grindstone that had not grit in it, how long would it take to sharpen an ax? And affairs that had not grit in them, how long would they take to make a man?

Not that which men do worthily, but that which they do successfully, is what history makes haste to record.

There is not a single heart but has its moments of longing.

Next to ingratitude the most painful thing to bear is gratitude.

Next to victory, there is nothing so sweet as defeat, if only the right adversary overcomes you.

God puts the excess of hope in one man, in order that it may be a medicine to the man who is despondent.

Caution and conservatism are expected of old age; but when the young men of a nation are possessed of such a spirit, when they are afraid of the noise and strife caused by the applications of the truth, heaven save the land! Its funeral bell has already rung.