How shall a man escape from his ancestors, or draw off from his veins the black drop which he drew from his father's or mother's life?

We resent all criticism which denies us anything that lies in our line of advance.

Men cease to interest us when we find their limitations

Spartans, stoics, heroes, saints and gods use short and positive speech.

I am sure of this, that by going much alone a man will get more of a noble courage in thought and word than from all the wisdom that is in books.

There is no event greater in life than the appearance of new persons about our hearth, except it be the progress of the characterwhich draws them.

If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile.