Adversity is, to me at least, a tonic and a bracer.

A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect.

All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.

Credit is like a looking-glass, which when once sullied by a breath, may be wiped clear again; but if once cracked can never be repaired.

He that climbs the tall tree has won right to the fruit, He that leaps the wide gulf should prevail in his suit.

I can give you a six-word formula for success: "Think things through -- then follow through."

If a farmer fills his barn with grain, he gets mice. If he leaves it empty, he gets actors.

It is wonderful what strength of purpose and boldness and energy of will are roused by the assurance that we are doing our duty.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practice to deceive.

One hour of life, crowded to the full with glorious action, and filled with noble risks, is worth whole years of those mean observances of paltry decorum, in which men steal through existence, like sluggish waters through a marsh, without either honor or observation.

Scorn also to depress thy competitor by any dishonest or unworthy method; strive to raise thyself above him only by excelling him; so shall thy contest for superiority be crowned with honour, if not with success.

Success -- keeping your mind awake and your desire asleep.

The race of mankind would perish did they cease to aid each other. We cannot exist without mutual help. All therefore that need aid have a right to ask it from their fellow-men; and no one who has the power of granting can refuse it without guilt.

To the timid and hesitating everything is impossible because it seems so.

Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn.

We build statues out of snow, and weep to see them melt.