Every human being is intended to have a character of his own; to be what no others are, and to do what no other can do.

The office of government is not to confer happiness, but to give men the opportunity to work out happiness for themselves.

How easy to be amiable in the midst of happiness and success.

An earnest purpose finds time, or makes it. It seizes on spare moments, and turns fragments to golden account.

To be prosperous is not to be superior, and should form no barrier between men. Wealth out not to secure the prosperous the slightest consideration. The only distinctions which should be recognized are those of the soul, of strong principle, of incorruptible integrity, of usefulness, of cultivated intellect, of fidelity in seeking the truth.

Others are affected by what I am, and say, and do. So that a single act of mine may spread and spread in widening circles, through a nation or humanity. Through my vice I intensify the taint of vice throughout the universe. Through my misery I make multitudes sad. On the other hand, every development of my virtue makes me an ampler blessing to my race. Every new truth that I gain makes me a brighter light to humanity.

Mistakes and errors are the discipline through which we advance.