Undoubtedly a man is to labor to better his condition, but first to better himself.

God be thanked for books; they are the voices of the distant and the dead, and make us heirs of the spiritual life of past ages.

We must not waste life in devising means. It is better to plan less and do more.

Another powerful principle of our nature, which is the spring of war, is the passion for superiority, for triumph, for power. The human mind is aspiring, impatient of inferiority, and eager for preeminence and control.

The only freedom worth possessing is that which gives enlargement to a people's energy, intellect, and virtues.

The great hope of society is in individual character

No power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down, in knowledge, power, virtue, influence, but by your own consent.