Avoid witticisms at the expense of others.

Without undervaluing any other human agency, it may be safely affirmed that the Common School, improved and energized, as it can easily be, may become the most effective and benignant of all the forces of civilization. Two reasons sustain this position. In the first place, there is a universality in its operation, which can be affirmed of no other institution whatever... And, in the second place, the materials upon which it operates are so pliant and ductile as to be susceptible of assuming a greater variety of forms than any other earthly work of the Creator.

Those who exert the first influence upon the mind have the greatest power.

Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, patience, and care.

We do ourselves the most good doing something for others.

Bodies are cleansed by water; the mind is purified by truth.

A house without books is like a room without windows.