Whenever I hear people talking about liberal ideas, I am always astounded that men should love to fool themselves with empty sounds. An idea should never be liberal; it must be vigorous, positive, and without loose ends so that it may fulfill its divine mission and be productive.

It is better to be doing the most insignificant thing than to reckon even a half-hour insignificant.

He who is plenteously provided for from within needs but little from without.

Let mental culture go on advancing, let the natural sciences progress in even greater extent and depth, and the human mind widen itself as much as it desires: beyond the elevation and moral culture of Christianity, as it shines forth in the Gospels, it will not go.

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.

The connoisseur of art must be able to appreciate what is simply beautiful, but the common run of people is satisfied with ornament.

I am fully convinced that the soul is indestructible, and its activity will continue through eternity.