Success by the laws of competition signifies a victory over others by obtaining the direction and profits of their work. This is the real source of all great riches.

I cannot but think it an evil sign of a people when their houses are built to last for one generation only.

The enormous influence of novelty--the way in which it quickens observations, sharpens sensations, and exalts sentiment--is not half enough taken note of by us, and is to me a very sorrowful matter. And yet, if we try to obtain perpetual change, change itself will become monotonous.

If the thing is impossible, you need not trouble yourselves about it; if possible, try for it.

... A power of obtaining veracity in the representation of material and tangible things, which, within certain limits and conditions, is unimpeachable, has now been placed in the hands of all men, almost without labour. (1853)

The strength and power of a country depends absolutely on the quantity of good men and women in it.

The first condition of education is being able to put someone to wholesome and meaningful work.