Stothard learned the art of combining colors by closely studying butterflies wings; he would often say that no one knew what he owed to these tiny insects. A burnt stick and a barn door served Wilkie in lieu of pencil and canvas.

The principal industrial excellence of the English people lay in their capacity of present exertion for a distant object.

Men who are resolved to find a way for themselves will always find opportunities enough; and if they do not find them, they will make them.

Though an inheritance of acres may be bequeathed, an inheritance of knowledge and wisdom cannot. The wealthy man may pay others for doing his work for him; but it is impossible to get his thinking done for him by another, or to purchase any kind of self-culture.

With will one can do anything.

It is the close observation of little things which is the secret of success in business, in art, in science, and in every pursuit of life.

He who labours not, cannot enjoy the reward of labour.