Everything we do has a result. But that which is right and prudent does not always lead to good, nor the contrary to what is bad.

My counsel is, to force nothing, and rather to trifle and sleep away all unproductive days and hours, than on such days to compose something that will afterwards give no pleasure.

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.

When I make a mistake everyone can see it, but not when I lie.

We cannot and must not get rid of nor deny our characteristics. But we can give them shape and direction.

Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them.

Do not hurry; do not rest.