True elegance becomes the more so as it approaches simplicity.

It is one of the worst effects of prosperity to make a man a vortex instead of a fountain; so that, instead of throwing out, he learns only to draw in.

Sorrows are gardeners: they plant flowers along waste places, and teach vines to cover barren heaps.

Sorrows, as storms, bring down the clouds close to the earth; sorrows bring heaven down close; and they are instruments of cleansing and purifying.

The Divine mind does not think for us, or inspite of us, but works in us to think, and to will, and to do.

Our days are a kaleidoscope. Every instant a change takes place in the contents. New harmonies, new contrasts, new combinations of every sort. Nothing ever happens twice alike. The most familiar people stand each moment in some new relation to each other, to their work, to surrounding objects. The most tranquil house, with the most serene inhabitants, living upon the utmost regularity of system, is yet exemplifying infinite diversities.

A book is good company. It is full of conversation without loquacity. It comes to your longing with full instruction, but pursues you never.