There never was a strong character that was not made strong by discipline of the will; there never was a strong people that did not rank subordination and discipline among the signal virtues. Subjection to moods is the mark of a deteriorating morality. There is no baser servitude than that of the man whose caprices are his masters, and a nation composed of such men could not long preserve its liberties.

We over-estimate the conscience of our friend. His goodness seems better than our goodness, his nature finer, his temptations less. Everything that is his,--his name, his form, his dress, books, and instruments,--fancy enhances. Our own thought sounds new and larger from his mouth.

When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God I am alive.

Let the stoics say what they please, we do not eat for the good of living, but because the meat is savory and the appetite is keen.

Knowledge is the antidote to fear

Character is higher than intellect... A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think.

Let us draw a lesson from nature, which always works by short ways. When the fruit is ripe, it falls.