As the Sandwich Islander believes that the strength and valor of the enemy he kills passes into himself, so we gain the strength of the temptation we resist.

We must not inquire too curiously into the absolute value of literature. Enough that it amuses and exercises us. At least it leaves us where we were. It names things, but does not add things.

The quality of the thought differences the Egyptian and the Roman, the Austrian and the American.

The worst of charity is that the lives you are asked to preserve are not worth preserving.

The counting-room maxims liberally expounded are laws of the Universe. The merchant's economy is a coarse symbol of the soul's economy. It is, to spend for power, and not for pleasure.

Self-reliance is its aversion. It loves not realities and creators, but names and customs.

Stand guard at the portal of your mind.