It is now almost my sole rule of life to clear myself of cants and formulas, as of poisonous Nessus shirts.

Wonderful Force of Public Opinion! We must act and walk in all points as it prescribes; follow the traffic it bids us, realize the sum of money, the degree of influence it expects of us, or we shall be lightly esteemed; certain mouthfuls of articulate wind will be blown at us, and this what mortal courage can front?

A very sea of thought; neither calm nor clear, if you will, yet wherein the toughest pearl-diver may dive to his utmost depth, and return not only with sea-wreck but with true orients.

Man makes circumstances, and spiritually as well as economically, is the artificer of his own fortune.

The mystery of a person, indeed, is ever divine to him that has a sense for the godlike.

Conclusive facts are inseparable from inconclusive except by a head that already understands and knows.

Dishonesty is the raw material not of quacks only, but also in great part dupes.