“Adversity is the trial of principle. Without it, a man hardly knows whether he is honest or not.”

There cannot be a move glorious object in creation than a human being replete with benevolence, meditating in what manner he might render himself most acceptable to his Creator by doing most good to His creatures.

Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.

Good-humor will even go so far as often to supply the lack of wit.

In a debate, rather pull to pieces the argument of thy antagonists than offer him any of thy own; for thus thou wilt fight him in his own country.

When mighty roast beef was the Englishman’s food It ennobled our hearts and enriched our blood– Our soldiers were brave and our courtiers were good. Oh! the roast beef of England. And Old England’s roast beef.

Love may be likened to a disease in this respect, that when it is denied a vent in one part, it will certainly break out in another; hence what a woman’s lips often conceal, her eyes, her blushes, and many little involuntary actions betray.

What a silly fellow must he be who would do the devil’s work for free.

Wine is a turncoat; first a friend and then an enemy.

Custom may lead a man into many errors; but it justifies none.

However exquisitely human nature may have been described by writers, the true practical system can be learned only in the world.

There are two considerations which always imbitter the heart of an avaricious man–the one is a perpetual thirst after more riches, the other the prospect of leaving what he has already acquired.

We are as liable to be corrupted by books, as by companions.

Giving comfort under affliction requires that penetration into the human mind, joined to that experience which knows how to soothe, how to reason, and how to ridicule; taking the utmost care never to apply those arts improperly.

Make money your god, and it will plague you like the devil.

I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.

Public schools are the nurseries of all vice and immorality.

It may here be justly said, that genuine morality is preserved only in the school of adversity, and a state of continuous prosperity may easily prove a quicksand to virtue.

It is when faced with adversity that we get to know what we are made up of, what we are capable of doing, and who we truly are.

For to be poised against fatality, to meet adverse conditions gracefully, is more than simple endurance; it is an act of aggression, a positive triumph.

In the hour of adversity be not without hope, for crystal rain falls from black clouds.

We’ll endure daily scars in our lives through shared adversity.

What separates those who go under and those who rise above adversity is the strength of their will and their hunger for power.

Adversity, if for no other reason, is of benefit, since it is sure to bring a season of sober reflection. People see clearer at such times. Storms purify the atmosphere.

Next to victory, there is nothing so sweet as defeat, if only the right adversary overcomes you.