Biography, especially of the great and good, who have risen by their own exertions to eminence and usefulness, is an inspiring and ennobling study. Its direct tendency is to reproduce the excellence it records.

Give me a house furnished with books rather than furniture! Both, if you can, but books at any rate!

False conclusions which have been reasoned out are infinitely worse than blind impulse.

Superiority to circumstances is one of the most prominent characteristics of great men.

Be careful never to retire to rest in a room not properly ventilated.

Avoid witticisms at the expense of others.

Thank Heaven, the female heart is untenantable by atheism.