Great men are always exceptional men; and greatness itself is but comparative. Indeed, the range of most men in life is so limited that very few have the opportunity of being great.

The spirit of self-help is the root of all genuine growth in the individual.

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.

National progress is the sum of individual industry, energy, and uprightness, as national decay is of individual idleness, selfishness, and vice.

The duty of helping one's self in the highest sense involves the helping of one's neighbors.

An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.

Even happiness itself may become habitual. There is a habit of looking at the bright side of things, and also of looking at the dark side.