When you take a man as he is, you make him worse. When you take a man as he can be, you make him better.

Of all thieves, fools are the worst; they rob you of time and temper.

Happy contractedness of youth, nay, of mankind in general, that they think neither of the high nor the deep, of the true nor the false, but only of what is suited to their own conceptions.

We love a girl for very different qualities than understanding. We love her for her beauty, her youth, her mirth, her confidingness, her character, with its faults, caprices and God knows what other inexpressible charms; but we do not love her understanding.

There are but few who have ideas and are, at the same time, capable of action. Ideas enlarge but stymie, action enlivens but confines.

Lamps make oil-spots and candles need snuffing; it is only the light of heaven that shines pure and leaves no stain.

It has been said that figures rule the world. Maybe. But I am sure that figures show us whether it is being ruled well or badly.