It is more difficult, and it calls for higher energies of soul, to live a martyr than to die one.
Horace MannWithout 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.
Horace MannOn entering this world our starting-point is ignorance. None, however, but idiots remain there.
Horace MannOne thing I certainly never was made for, and that is to put principles on and off at the dictation of a party, as a lackey changes his livery at his master's command.
Horace MannJails and prisons are the complement of schools; so many less as you have of the latter, so many more must you have of the former.
Horace MannSo, in the infinitely nobler battle in which you are engaged against error and wrong, if ever repulsed or stricken down, may you always be solaced and cheered by the exulting cry of triumph over some abuse in Church or State, some vice or folly in society, some false opinion or cruelty or guilt which you have overcome! And I beseech you to treasure up in your hearts these my parting words: Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.
Horace MannThe devil tempts men through their ambition, their cupidity, or their appetite, until he comes to the profane swearer, whom he clutches without any reward.
Horace MannHad I the power, I would scatter libraries over the whole land as the sower sows his wheatfield.
Horace MannKnowledge is but an instrument, which the profligate and the flagitious may use as well as the brave and the just.
Horace MannIf any man seeks for greatness, let him forget greatness and ask for truth, and he will find both.
Horace MannIgnorance breeds monsters to fill up the vacancies of the soul that are unoccupied by the verities of knowledge.
Horace MannThe most precious wine is produced upon the sides of volcanoes. Now bold and inspiring ideals are only born of a clear head that stands over a glowing heart.
Horace MannIn trying to teach children a great deal in a short time, they are treated not as though the race they were to run was for life, but simply a three-mile heat.
Horace MannInjustice alone can shake down the pillars of the skies, and restore the reign of Chaos and Night.
Horace MannUnder the sublime law of progress, the present outgrows the past. The great heart of humanity is heaving with the hopes of a brighter day. All the higher instincts of our nature prophesy its approach; and the best intellects of the race are struggling to turn that prophecy into fulfilment.
Horace MannDoing nothing for others is the undoing of one's self. We must be purposely kind and generous, or we miss the best part of existence. The heart that goes out of itself, gets large and full of joy. This is the great secret of the inner life. We do ourselves the most good doing something for others.
Horace Mann