Let us resist the opinion of the world fearlessly, provided only that our self-respect grows in proportion to our indifference.

Piety softens all that courage bears.

I study much, and the more I study, the oftener I go back to those first principles which are so simple that childhood itself can lisp them.

I can understand the things that afflict mankind, but I often marvel at God those which console. An atom may wound, but God alone can heal.

Pride dries the tears of anger and vexation; humility, those of grief. The one is indignant that we should suffer; the other calms us by the reminder that we deserve nothing else.

We do not judge men by what they are in themselves, but by what they are relatively to us.

Old age is not one of the beauties of creation, but it is one of its harmonies. The law of contrasts is one of the laws of beauty. Under the conditions of our climate, shadow gives light its worth; sternness enhances mildness; solemnity, splendor. Varying proportions of size support and subserve one another.