To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common - this is my symphony.

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.

It is not the quantity but the quality of knowledge which determines the mind's dignity.

Every man is a volume if you know how to read him.

A man in earnest finds means or, if he cannot find, creates them.