It is possible that the scrupulously honest man may not grow rich so fast as the unscrupulous and dishonest one; but the success will be of a truer kind, earned without fraud or injustice. And even though a man should for a time be unsuccessful, still he must be honest: better lose all and save character. For character is itself a fortune. . . .

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.

He who never made a mistake, never made a discovery.

All life is a struggle.... Under competition the lazy man is put under the necessity of exerting himself; and if he will not exert himself, he must fall behind. If he do not work, neither shall he eat.

Enthusiasm..the sustaining power of all great action

The Romans rightly employed the same word (virtus) to designate courage, which is, in a physical sense, what the other is in a moral; the highest virtue of all being victory over ourselves.

The great lesson of biography is to show what man can be and do at his best. A noble life put fairly on record acts like an inspiration to others.