Energy of will may be defined to be the very central power of character in a man.
Cheerfulness is also an excellent wearing quality. It has been called the bright weather of the heart.
The highest culture is not obtained from the teacher when at school or college, so much as by our ever diligent self-education when we become men.
Good sense, disciplined by experience and inspired by goodness, issues in practical wisdom.
Riches do not constitute any claim to distinction. It is only the vulgar who admire riches as riches.
Great men are always exceptional men; and greatness itself is but comparative. Indeed, the range of most men in life is so limited that very few have the opportunity of being great.
Manners are the ornament of action.
Self-control is only courage under another form.
Men whose acts are at variance with their words command no respect, and what they say has but little weight.
Example teaches better than precept. It is the best modeler of the character of men and women. To set a lofty example is the richest bequest a man can leave behind him.
Help from without is often enfeebling in its effects, but help from within invariably invigorates.
Those who have most to do, and are willing to work, will find the most time.
Though an inheritance of acres may be bequeathed, an inheritance of knowledge and wisdom cannot. The wealthy man may pay others for doing his work for him; but it is impossible to get his thinking done for him by another, or to purchase any kind of self-culture.
Work is one of the best educators of practical character.
A woman’s best qualities do not reside in her intellect, but in her affections. She gives refreshment by her sympathies, rather than by her knowledge.
True politeness is consideration for the opinions of others. It has been said of dogmatism that it is only puppyism come to its full growth; and certainly the worst form this quality can assume is that of opinionativeness and arrogance.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. But all play and no work makes him something worse.
The best school of discipline is home. Family life is God’s own method of training the young, and homes are very much as women make them.
Nothing of real worth can be obtained without courageous working. Man owes his growth chiefly to the active striving of the will, that encounter with difficulty which he calls effort; and it is astonishing to find how often results apparently impracticable are then made possible.
Life is of little value unless it be consecrated by duty.