The essence of true nobility is neglect of self. Let the thought of self pass in, and the beauty of a great action is gone, like the bloom from a soiled flower.

History is a voice forever sounding across the centuries the laws of right and wrong. Opinions alter, manners change, creeds rise and fall, but the moral law is written on the tablets of eternity.

Carelessness is inexcusable, and merits the inevitable sequence.

Science rests on reason and experiment, and can meet an opponent with calmness; [but] a creed is always sensitive.

High original genius is always ridiculed on its first appearance; most of all by those who have won themselves the highest reputation in working on the established lines. Genius only commands recognition when it has created the taste which is to appreciate it.

The moral system of the universe is like a document written in alternate ciphers, which change from line to line.

As we advance in life, we learn the limits of our abilities.