“Conceit spoils the finest genius.”

I ask not for any crown But that which all may win; Nor try to conquer any world Except the one within.

Men are always ready to die for us, but not to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic.

Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.

Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us – and those around us – more effectively. Look for the learning.

It takes two flints to make a fire.

I often think flowers are the angels’ alphabet whereby they write on hills and fields mysterious and beautiful lessons for us to feel and learn.

I like to help women help themselves, as that is, in my opinion, the best way to settle the woman question. Whatever we can do and do well we have a right to, and I don’t think any one will deny us.

We can’t any of us do all we would like, but we can do our best for every case that comes to us, and that helps amazingly.

I want to do something splendid, Something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead I think I shall write books.

Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.

Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon. It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us.

One of the sweet things about pain and sorrow is that they show us how well we are loved, how much kindness there is in the world, and how easily we can make others happy in the same way when they need help and sympathy.

She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.

I don’t like favors; they oppress and make me fell like a slave. I’d rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent.

You are the gull, Jo, strong and wild, fond of the storm and the wind, flying far out to sea, and happy all alone.

Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.

I’m not a genius. I’m just a hard-working guy.

Genius is that which forces the inertia of humanity to learn.

Classical education has deformed everything, and has imposed upon us as geniuses men of correct, facile talent, who follow the beaten track.

“Genius is divine perseverance.” Divine patience I believe he originally used, perseverance is better in my opinion. Genius I cannot claim nor even extra brightness but perseverance all can have.

Confidence breeds success & success breeds confidence, Confidence applied properly surpasses genius.

Jealousy is the tribute which mediocrity pays to genius.

Constant effort and frequent mistakes are the stepping stones to genius.

Genius makes its observations in short-hand; talent writes them out at length.