In general, pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes.

The greatest efforts of the race have always been traceable to the love of praise, as the greatest catastrophes to the love of pleasure.

Without mountains the air could not be purified, nor the flowing of the rivers sustained.

Men say their pinnacles point to heaven. Why, so does every tree that buds, and every bird that rises as it sings. Men say their aisles are good for worship. Why, so is every mountain glen and rough sea-shore. But this they have of distinct and indisputable glory,--that their mighty walls were never raised, and never shall be, but by men who love and aid each other in their weakness.

Whenever you see want or misery or degradation in this world about you, then be sure either industry has been wanting, or industry has been in error.

... the weakest among us has a gift, however seemingly trivial, which is peculiar to him, and which, worthily used, will be a gift also to his race forever.

That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest number of noble and happy human beings.