Poverty is uncomfortable; but nine times out of ten the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim.

There are some things I am afraid of: I am afraid to do a mean thing.

Honesty is the best policy, says the familiar axiom; but people who are honest on that principle defraud no one but themselves.

The best system of education is that which draws its chief support from the voluntary effort of the community, from the individual efforts of citizens, and from those burdens of taxation which they voluntarily impose upon themselves.

The chief duty of government is to keep the peace and stand out of the sunshine of the people.

For honest merit to succeed amid the tricks and intrigues which are now so lamentably common, I know is difficult; but the honor of success is increased by the obstacles which are to be surmounted. Let me triumph as a man or not at all.

I mean to make myself a man, and if I succeed in that, I shall succeed in everything else.