Courtesy is a science of the highest importance. It is...opening a door that we may derive instruction from the example of others, and at the same time enabling us to benefit them by our example, if there be anything in our character worthy of imitation.

Honesty is a question of right and wrong, not a matter of policy

We are never present with, but always beyond ourselves; fear, desire, hope, still push us on toward the future.

There is a huge gulf between the man who follows the conventions and laws of his country and the man who sets out to regiment them and to change them.

Courtesy, like grace and beauty, that which begets liking and inclination to love one another at the first sight, and in the very beginning of our acquaintance and familiarity; and, consequently, that which first opens the door for us to better ourselves by the example of others, if there be anything in the society worth notice

The wise man lives as long as he ought, not so long as he can.

It is only reasonable to allow the administration of affairs to mothers before their children reach the age prescribed by law at which they themselves can be responsible. But that father would have reared them ill who could not hope that in their maturity they would have more wisdom and competence than his wife.