The modern age has a false sense of superiority, because of the great mass of data at its disposal. But the valid criterion of distinction is rather the extent to which man knows how to form and master the material at his command.

Lord Byron is only great as a poet; as soon as he reflects he is a child.

I reverence the individual who understands distinctly what he wishes; who unweariedly advances, who knows the means conducive to his object, and can seize and use them.

The man who occupies the first place seldom plays the principal part.

Nothing tells more about the character of a man than the things he makes fun of.

He who has a task to perform must know how to take sides, or he is quite unworthy of it.

Duty is the demand of the hour.