People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.

It is rare to find a man who believes in his own thoughts or speaks that which he is created to say. As nothing astonishes men so much as common sense and plain dealing, so nothing is more rare in any man than an act of his own...feel yourself, and be not daunted by things...The light by which we see this world comes out from the soul of the observer.

The pleasure of life is according to the man that lives it, and not according to the work or place.

There is always a certain meanness in the argument of conservatism, joined with a certain superiority in its fact.

There is nothing settled in manners, but the laws of behavior yield to the energy of the individual.

The judge weighs the arguments and puts a brave face on the matter, and since there must be a decision, decides as he can, and hopes he has done justice and given satisfaction to the community

In the highest civilization, the book is still the highest delight. He who has once known its satisfactions is provided with a resource against calamity.