The gem cannot be polished without friction nor man without trials.

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it – this is knowledge.

I will not be concerned at other men’s not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.

“I will not be concerned at other men’s not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.

When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.

The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.

A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace.

Your life is what your thoughts make it.

Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.

The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.

Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.

I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.

Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established.

All good things are difficult to achieve, and all bad things are very easy to get.

A fool despises good counsel, but a wise man takes it to heart.

When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.