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.

Where nature is sovereign, there is no need of austerity and self-denial.

Instruction does not prevent wasted time or mistakes; and mistakes themselves are often the best teachers of all.

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.

Of all the evil spirits abroad at this hour in the world, insincerity is the most dangerous.

In every department of life--in its business and in its pleasures, in its beliefs and in its theories, in its material developments and in its spiritual connections--we thank God that we are not like our fathers.

Wild animals never kill for sport. Man is the only one to whom the torture and death of his fellow creatures is amusing in itself.