Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry.

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

Self-control is only courage under another form. It may also be regarded as the primary essence of character.

He who labours not, cannot enjoy the reward of labour.

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

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. . . .

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.