Very early, I knew that the only object in life was to grow.

All great expression, which on a superficial survey seems so easy as well as so simple, furnishes after a while, to the faithful observer, its own standard by which to appreciate it.

Our desires, once realized, haunt us again less readily.

Would that the simple maxim, that honesty is the best policy, might be laid to heart; that a sense of the true aim of life might elevate the tone of politics and trade till public and private honor become identical.

... the Power who gave a power, by its mere existence, signifies that it must be brought out towards perfection.

Reverence the highest, have patience with the lowest. Let this day's performance of the meanest duty be thy religion. Are the stars too distant, pick up the pebble that lies at thy feet, and from it learn the all.

What concerns me now is that my life be a beautiful, powerful, in a word, a complete life of its kind.