Those who have ruled human destinies, like planets, for thousands of years, were not handsome men.

Meek young men grow up in libraries, believing it their duty to accept the views which Cicero, which Locke, which Bacon, have given, forgetful that Cicero, Locke, and Bacon were only young men in libraries, when they wrote these books.

Right is more beautiful than private affection, and is compatible with universal wisdom.

By going one step further back in thought, discordant opinions are reconciled by being seen to be two extremes of one principle, and we can never go so far back as to preclude a still higher vision.

We grizzle every day. I see no need of it. Whilst we converse with what is above us, we do not grow old, but grow young.

I pray my companion, if he wishes for bread, to ask me for bread, and if he wishes for sassafras or arsenic, to ask me for them, and not to hold out his plate, as if I knew already.

Neither is life long enough for friendship. That is a serious and majestic affair.