Shakspeare is the only biographer of Shakspeare; and even he can tell nothing, except to the Shakspeare in us; that is, to our most apprehensive and sympathetic hour.

Philanthropic and religious bodies do not commonly make their executive officers out of saints.

Don't choose the better person, choose the person who makes a better you.

The day is always his, who works in it with serenity and great aims.

We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse.

The bulk of mankind believe in two gods. They are under one dominion here in the house, as friend and parent, in social circles, in letters, in art, in love, in religion; but in mechanics, in dealing with steam and climate, in trade, in politics, they think they come under another.

My life is for itself and not for a spectacle.