We are surrounded by abysses, but the greatest of all depths is in our own heart, and an irresistible leaning leads us there. Draw thyself from thyself!

It is bad governments, not bad people, who cause revolutions.

Not the maker of plans and promises, but rather the one who offers faithful service in small matters. This is the person who is most likely to achieve what is good and lasting.

Great thoughts and a pure heart, that is what we should ask from God.

Everything great and intelligent is in the minority

Nature! We live in her midst and know her not. She is incessantly speaking to us, but betrays not her secret. We constantly act upon her, and yet have no power over her. Variant: NATURE! We are surrounded and embraced by her: powerless to separate ourselves from her, and powerless to penetrate beyond her.

Some of our weaknesses are born in us, others are the result of education; it is a question which of the two gives us most trouble.