The quote database

Energy of temperament, with a moderate degree of wisdom, will carry a man further than any amount of intellect without it.

Great evils are in some cases only to be met by resistance; they cannot be wept down, but must be battled down.

Nothing can be more certain than that the character can only be sustained and strengthened by its own energetic action.

Life must needs be disgusting alike to the idle rich man as to the idle poor man, who has no work to do, or, having work, will not do it.

Every man's first duty is, to improve, to educate, and elevate himself--helping forward his brethren at the same time by all reasonable methods.

Industry enables men to earn their living; it should also enable them to learn to live.

Thrift does not require superior courage, nor superior intellect, nor any superhuman virtue.

Self-respect, originating in self-love, instigates the first step of improvement.

There is a dignity in the very effort to save with a worthy purpose, even though the attempt should not be crowned with eventual success.