National progress is the sum of individual industry, energy, and uprightness, as national decay is of individual idleness, selfishness, and vice.
Samuel SmilesThis extraordinary metal, the soul of every manufacture, and the mainspring perhaps of civilised society. Of iron.
Samuel SmilesRiches do not constitute any claim to distinction. It is only the vulgar who admire riches as riches.
Samuel SmilesThe work of many of the greatest men, inspired by duty, has been done amidst suffering and trial and difficulty. They have struggled against the tide, and reached the shore exhausted.
Samuel SmilesIt is a grand old name, that of gentleman, and has been recognized as a rank and power in all stages of society. To possess this character is a dignity of itself, commanding the instinctive homage of every generous mind, and those who will not bow to titular rank will yet do homage to the gentleman. His qualities depend not upon fashion or manners, but upon moral worth; not on personal possessions, but on personal qualities.
Samuel Smiles