True greatness is the most ready to recognize and most willing to obey those simple outward laws which have been sanctioned by the experience of mankind.

Nature is not a partisan, but out of her ample treasue house she produces children in infinite variety, of which she is equally the mother, and disowns none of them.

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

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

That which especially distinguishes a high order of man from a low order of man, that which constitutes human goodness, human nobleness, is surely not the degree of enlightenment with which men pursue their own advantage; but it is self-forgetfulness; it is self-sacrifice; it is the disregard of personal pleasure, personal indulgence, personal advantage, remote or present, because some other line of conduct is more right.

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

Mistakes are often the best teachers.