There are men who, by their sympathetic attractions, carry nations with them, and lead the activity of the human race.

Every great institution is the lengthened shadow of a single man. His character determines the character of the organization.

As we refine, our checks become finer. If we rise to spiritual culture, the antagonism takes a spiritual form.

Thought is the seed of action; but action is as much its second form as thought is its first. It rises in thought, to the end that it may be uttered and acted. Always in proportion to the depth of its sense does it knock importunately at the gates of the soul, to be spoken, to be done.

It takes a good deal of character to judge a person by his future instead of his past

Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself. Thou must bleed for me. Therefore the poet brings his poem; the shepherd, his lamb; the farmer, corn; the miner, a stone; the painter, his picture; the girl, a handkerchief of her own sewing.

It is defeat which educates us.