Our energy is in proportion to the resistance it meets. We attempt nothing great but from a sense of the difficulties we have to encounter, we persevere in nothing great but from a pride in overcoming them.

Persons of slender intellectual stamina dread competition, as dwarfs are afraid of being run over in the street.

A strong passion for any object will ensure success, for the desire of the end will point out the means.

Whatever interests is interesting.

We are very much what others think of us. The reception our observations meet with gives us courage to proceed, or damps our efforts.

To die is only to be as we were before we were born; yet no one feels any remorse, or regret, or repugnance, in contemplating this last idea.

Popularity disarms envy in well-disposed minds. Those are ever the most ready to do justice to others who feel that the world has done them justice. When success has not this effect in opening the mind, it is a sign that it has been ill deserved.