Labor, in itself, is neither elevating or otherwise. It is the laborer's privilege to ennoble his work by the aim with which he undertakes it, and by the enthusiasm and faithfulness he puts into it.

A drop of water, if it could write out its own history, would explain the universe to us.

Tailor's work--the finishing of men's outside garments--was the "trade" learned most frequently by women in [the 1820s and 1830s],and one or more of my older sisters worked at it; I think it must have been at home, for I somehow or somewhere got the idea, while I was a small child, that the chief end of woman was to make clothing for mankind.

Whoever claims to understand another person completely, is either entirely ignorant of himself, or else has a nature so small that he can measure it easily, and supposes it to be the standard of every other nature.

It is the greatest of all mistakes to begin life with the expectation that it is going to be easy, or with the wish to have it so.

That larger vision is certain to make clear the value in our own lives of service to others.

If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it.