How narrow our souls become when absorbed in any present good or ill! It is only the thought of the future that makes them great.

Humankind's chief fault is that they have so many small ones.

Flowers never emit so sweet and strong a fragrance as before a storm. When a storm approaches thee, be as fragrant as a sweet-smelling flower.

Repetition is the mother of education.

People will not bear it when advice is violently given, even if it is well founded. Hearts are flowers; they remain open to the softly falling dew, but shut up in the violent downpour of rain.

The last, best fruit which comes to late perfection, even in the kindliest soul, is tenderness toward the hard, forbearance toward the unforbearing, warmth of heart toward the cold, philanthropy toward the misanthropic.

Only deeds give strength to life, only moderation gives it charm.