The iron rail proved a magicians' road. It virtually reduced England to a sixth of its size. It brought the country nearer to the town and the town to the country.... It energized punctuality, discipline, and attention; and proved a moral teacher by the influence of example.

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

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

"Where there is a will there is a way" is an old true saying. He who resolves upon doing a thing, by that very resolution often scales the barriers to it and secures its achievement. To think we are able is almost to be so - to determine upon attainment is frequently attainment itself.

When typhus or cholera breaks out, they tell us that Nobody is to blame. That terrible Nobody! How much he has to answer for. More mischief is done by Nobody than by all the world besides.

It is the close observation of little things which is the secret of success in business, in art, in science, and in every pursuit of life.

The egotist is next door to a fanatic.