Experience serves to prove that the worth and strength of a state depend far less upon the form of its institutions than upon the character of its men; for the nation is only the aggregate of individual conditions, and civilization itself is but a question of personal, improvement.

Help from without is often enfeebling in its effects, but help from within invariably invigorates.

Politeness goes far, yet costs nothing.

Courage is by no means incompatible with tenderness. On the contrary, gentleness and tenderness have been found to characterize the men, no less than the women, who have done the most courageous deeds.

So much does the moral health depend upon the moral atmosphere that is breathed, and so great is the influence daily exercised by parents over their children by living a life before their eyes, that perhaps the best system of parental instruction might be summed up in these two words: 'Improve thyself.'

Cheerfulness is also an excellent wearing quality. It has been called the bright weather of the heart.

The wise man... if he would live at peace with others, he will bear and forbear.