Nature is less partial than she appears, and all situations in life have their compensations along with them.

A single seed of fact will produce in a season or two a harvest of calumnies; but sensible men will pay no attention to them.

What is called virtue in the common sense of the word has nothing to do with this or that man's prosperity, or even happiness.

Those who seek for something more than happiness in this world must not complain if happiness is not their portion.

If you think you can temper yourself into manliness by sitting here over your books, it is the very silliest fancy that ever tempted a young man to his ruin. You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.

You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.

The essence of greatness is neglect of the self.