By the ancients, courage was regarded as practically the main part of virtue; by us, though I hope we are not less brave, purity is so regarded now.

True goodness is like the glow-worm in this, that it shines most when no eyes except those of heaven are upon it.

To no kind of begging are people so averse, as to begging pardon; that is, when there is any serious ground for doing so.

Everybody has his own theatre, in which he is manager, actor, prompter, playwright, sceneshifter, boxkeeper, doorkeeper, all in one, and audience into the bargain.

Be what you are. This is the first step toward becoming better than you are.

A weak mind sinks under prosperity, as well as under adversity.

Knowledge is the parent of love; wisdom, love itself.