Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you'll have more time, and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at every moment, 'Is this necessary?'

Do not expect Plato's ideal republic; be satisfied with even the smallest step forward, and consider this no small achievement.

Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.

God overrules all mutinous accidents, brings them under His laws of fate, and makes them all serviceable to His purpose.

The world is a living being - one nature, one soul. Keep that in mind.

Is your cucumber bitter? Throw it away. Are there briars in your path? Turn aside. That is enough. Do not go on and ay, 'Why were things of this sort ever brought into the world?'

Let no act be done without purpose.