True politeness is consideration for the opinions of others. It has been said of dogmatism that it is only puppyism come to its full growth; and certainly the worst form this quality can assume is that of opinionativeness and arrogance.

The government of a nation itself is usually found to be but the reflux of the individuals composing it. The government that is ahead of the people will be inevitably dragged down to their level, as the government that is behind them will in the long run be dragged up.

Marriage like government is a series of compromises. One must give and take, repair and restrain, endure and be patient.

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.

Like men, nations are purified and strengthened by trials.

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.

Progress, of the best kind, is comparatively slow