There are geniuses in trade as well as in war, or the state, or letters; and the reason why this or that man is fortunate is not to be told. It lies in the man: that is all anybody can tell you about it.

That which shows God in me, fortifies me. That which shows God out of me, makes me a wart and a wen.

I find it more credible, since it is anterior information, that one man should know heaven, as the Chinese say, than that so many men should know the world.

Our health is our sound relation to external objects; our sympathy with external being.

Imagination is a very high sort of seeing.

Always do what you are afraid to do.

The student is to read history actively and not passively; to esteem his own life the text, and books the commentary. Thus compelled, the muse of history will utter oracles as never to those who do not respect themselves.