In order for one to learn the important lessons of life, one must first overcome a fear each day.

How cunningly nature hides every wrinkle of her inconceivable antiquity under roses and violets and morning dew!

The spirit of our American radicalism is destructive and aimless; it is not loving; it has no ulterior and divine ends; but is destructive only out of hatred and selfishness.

The basis of good manners is self-reliance. Necessity is the law of all who are not self-possessed.

Eloquence is the power to translate a truth into language perfectly intelligible to the person to whom you speak.

Our spontaneous action is always the best. You cannot, with your best deliberation and heed, come so close to any question as your spontaneous glance shall bring you.

The finest poems of the world have been expedients to get bread.