However often we turn to it [the Koran] at first disgusting us each time afresh, it soon attracts, astounds, and in the end enforces our reverence. . . . Its style, in accordance with its contents and aim is stern, grand, terrible - ever and anon truly sublime - Thus this book will go on exercising through all ages a most potent influence.

Old age is never honored among us, but only indulged, as childhood is; and old men lose one of the most precious rights of man,--that of being judged by their peers.

How can you come to know yourself? Never by thinking, always by doing. Try to do your duty, and you'll know right away what you amount to.

If you call a thing bad you do little, if you call a thing good you do much

What one has wished for in youth, in old age one has in abundance.

If you've never eaten while crying you don t know what life tastes like.

Properly speaking, such work is never finished; one must declare it so when, according to time and circumstances, one has done one's best.