Skepticism . . . is not intellectual only it is moral also, a chronic atrophy and disease of the whole soul.

The steam-engine I call fire-demon and great; but it is nothing to the invention of fire.

Skepticism . . . is not intellectual only it is moral also, a chronic atrophy and disease of the whole soul.

Genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains.

Do not be embarrassed by your mistakes. Nothing can teach us better than our understanding of them. This is one of the best ways of self-education.

Conviction never so excellent, is worthless until it coverts itself into conduct.

When we can drain the Ocean into mill-ponds, and bottle up the Force of Gravity, to be sold by retail, in gas jars; then may we hope to comprehend the infinitudes of man's soul under formulas of Profit and Loss; and rule over this too, as over a patent engine, by checks, and valves, and balances.