Despair is the only genuine atheism.

Universal love is a glove without fingers, which fits all bands alike and none closely; but true affection is like a glove with fingers, which fits one hand only, and sits close to that one.

Has it never occurred to us, when surrounded by sorrows, that they may be sent to us only for our instruction, as we darken the eyes of birds when we wish them to sing?

If self-knowledge is the road to virtue, so is virtue still more the road to self-knowledge.

The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls.

Nations and men are only the best when they are the gladdest, and deserve heaven when they enjoy it.

Never write on a subject without first having read yourself full on it; and never read on a subject till you have thought yourself hungry on it.