Let us act on what we have, since we have not what we wish.

Men will die upon dogma but will not fall victim to a conclusion.

Man is emphatically self-made.

Nothing is more common than for men to think that because they are familiar with words they understand the ideas they stand for.

Let us take things as we find them: let us not attempt to distort them into what they are not... We cannot make facts. All our wishing cannot change them. We must use them.

There is a knowledge which is desirable, though nothing come of it, as being of itself a treasure, and a sufficient remuneration of years of labor.

There is in stillness oft a magic power To calm the breast when struggling passions lower, Touched by its influence, in the soul arise Diviner feelings, kindred with the skies.