Children, like dogs, have so sharp and fine a scent that they detect and hunt out everything--the bad before all the rest. They also know well enough how this or that friend stands with their parents; and as they practice no dissimulation whatever, they serve as excellent barometers by which to observe the degree of favor or disfavor at which we stand with their parents.

The beginning of faith is the beginning of fruitfulness; but the beginning of unbelief, however glittering, is empty.

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.

Is it life, I ask, is it even prudence, To bore thyself and bore the students?

Nature reacts not only to physical disease, but also to moral weakness; when the danger increases; she gives us greater courage

He who wishes to exert a useful influence must be careful to insult nothing. Let him not be troubled by what seems absurd, but concentrate his energies to the creation of what is good. He must not demolish, but build. He must raise temples where mankind may come and partake of the purest pleasure.

The threshold is the place of expectation.