The soul of man is not a thing which comes and goes, is builded and decays like the elemental frame in which it is set to dwell, but a very living force, a very energy of God's organic will, which rules and moulds this universe.

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.

The practical effect of a belief is the real test of its soundness. Where we find a heroic life appearing as the uniform fruit of a particular mode of opinion, it is childish to argue in the face of fact that the result ought to have been different.

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

The essence of greatness is neglect of the self.

The practical effect of a belief is the real test of its soundness.