Our possessions are wholly in our performances. He owns nothing to whom the world owes nothing.

He who would acquire fame must not show himself afraid of censure. The dread of censure is the death of genius.

The birth of a child is the imprisonment of a soul.

The effect of character is always to command consideration. We sport and toy and laugh with men or women who have none, but we never confide in them.

It is a bird-flight of the soul, when the heart declares itself in song. The affections that clothe themselves with wings are passions that have been subdued to virtues.

The only true source of politeness is consideration.

The true law of the race is progress and development. Whenever civilization pauses in the march of conquest, it is overthrown by the barbarian.