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.

The best that we can do for one another is to exchange our thoughts freely; and that, after all, is about all.

Our human laws are but the copies, more or less imperfect, of the eternal laws, so far as we can read them.

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

Justice without wisdom is impossible.

In everyday things the law of sacrifice takes the form of positive duty.

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.