Men do less than they ought, unless they do all they can.

But the whim we have of happiness is somewhat thus. By certain valuations, and averages, of our own striking, we come upon some sort of average terrestrial lot; this we fancy belongs to us by nature, and of indefeasible rights. It is simple payment of our wages, of our deserts; requires neither thanks nor complaint. Foolish soul! What act of legislature was there that thou shouldst be happy? A little while ago thou hadst no right to be at all.

Philosophy dwells aloft in the Temple of Science, the divinity of its inmost shrine; her dictates descend among men, but she herself descends not : whoso would behold her must climb with long and laborious effort, nay, still linger in the forecourt, till manifold trial have proved him worthy of admission into the interior solemnities.

The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.

All destruction, by violent revolution or however it be, is but new creation on a wider scale.

Writing is a dreadful labor, yet not so dreadful as Idleness.

Properly speaking, all true work is religion.