Every living creature commences its existence under a form different from, and simpler than, that which it eventually attains.

There is the greatest practical benefit in making a few failures early in life.

The world is neither wise nor just, but it makes up for all its folly and injustice by being damnably sentimental.

Not only does every animal live at the expense of some other animal or plant, but the very plants are at war.... The individuals of a species are like the crew of a foundered ship, and none but good swimmers have a chance of reaching the land.

My business is to teach my aspirations to confirm themselves to fact, not to try and make facts harmonize with my aspirations.

Veracity is the heart of morality.

It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance.