Nothing contributes so much to tranquilizing the mind as a steady purpose - a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye.
We should every night call ourselves to an account; What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed? What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired? Our vices will abort of themselves if they be brought every day to the shrift.
There are sadistic scientists who hurry to hunt down errors instead of establishing the truth.
I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.
The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.
Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become an enemy. And bring not all mischief you are able to upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.
There is always more misery among the lower classes than there is humanity in the higher.