Those who boast of their descent, brag on what they owe to others.

There is nothing that Nature has made necessary which is more easy than death; we are longer a-coming into the world than going out of it; and there is not any minute of our lives wherein we may not reasonably expect it. Nay, it is but a momen'ts work, the parting of soul and body. What a shame is it then to stand in fear of anything so long that is over so soon!

Without an adversary prowess shrivels. We see how great and efficient it really is only when it shows by endurance what it is capable of.

All my life I have been seeking to climb out of the pit of my besetting sins and I cannot do it and I never will unless a hand is let down to draw me up.

The abundance of books is distraction

It is easier to grow in dignity than to make a start.

Shun no toil to make yourself remarkable by some talent or other.