The dear good people don't know how long it takes to learn to read. I've been at it eighty years, and can't say yet that I've reached the goal.

The use of a thing is only a part of its significance. To know anything thoroughly, to have the full command of it in all its appliances, we must study it on its own account, independently of any special application.

Distrust those in whom the desire to punish is strong.

No one has ever learned fully to know themselves.

Since you know me and my destiny only too well, you probably also know what attracts me to all unfortunate people.

Everybody wants to be somebody; nobody wants to grow.

The best fortune that can fall to a man is that which corrects his defects and makes up for his failings.