The wise man will always reflect concerning the quality not the quantity of life.

Take away ambition and vanity, and where will be your heroes and patriots?

In a moment the ashes are made, but a forest is a long time growing.

Virtue needs a director and guide. Vice can be learned even without a teacher.

Who-only let him be a man and intent upon honor-is not eager for the honorable ordeal and prompt to assume perilous duties? To what energetic man is not idleness a punishment?

Poverty with joy isn't poverty at all. The poor man is not one who has little, but one who hankers after more.

You must linger among a limited number of master-thinkers, and digest their works, if you would derive ideas which shall win firm hold in your mind.