Most of the appearance of mirth in the world is not mirth, it is art. The wounded spirit is not seen, but walks under a disguise.

It is idleness that creates impossibilities; and where people don’t care to do anything, they shelter themselves under a permission that it cannot be done.

Defeat should never be a source of discouragement, but rather a fresh stimulus.

Passion is the drunkenness of the mind.

Action is the highest perfection and drawing forth of the utmost power, vigor, and activity of man’s nature.

If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.

Wonder is from surprise, and surprise stops with experience.

Innocence is like polished armor; it adorns and defends.

Guilt upon the conscience, like rust upon iron, both defiles and consumes it, gnawing and creeping into it, as that does which at last eats out the very heart and substance of the metal.

Most of the appearance of mirth in the world is not mirth, it is art. The wounded spirit is not seen, but walks under a disguise.

Truth will lose its credit, if delivered by a person that has none.