Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, read more

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.

You will be as much value to others as you have been to yourself.

You will be as much value to others as you have been to yourself.

A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out
to accomplish it. He should make read more

A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out
to accomplish it. He should make this purpose the centralizing point of
his thoughts. It may take the form of a spiritual ideal, or it may be a
worldly object, according to his nature at the time being; but whichever
it is, he should steadily focus his thought forces upon the object which
he has set before him. He should make this purpose his supreme duty, and
should devote himself to its attainment, not allowing his thoughts to
wander away into ephemeral fancies, longings, and imaginings. This is the
royal road to self-control and true concentration of thought. Even if he
fails again and again to accomplish his purpose (as he necessarily must
until weakness is overcome), the strength of character gained will be the
measure of his true success, and this will form a new starting point for
future power and triumph.

There is never a better measure of what a person is than what he
does when he's absolutely free to read more

There is never a better measure of what a person is than what he
does when he's absolutely free to choose.

A happy family is but an earlier heaven.

A happy family is but an earlier heaven.

Strong lives are motivated by dynamic purposes.

Strong lives are motivated by dynamic purposes.

Every person is the creation of himself, the image of his own thinking
and believing. As individuals think and believe, read more

Every person is the creation of himself, the image of his own thinking
and believing. As individuals think and believe, so they are.

Here is little Effie's head. Her brains are made of gingerbread. When
the judgement day comes, God will find six read more

Here is little Effie's head. Her brains are made of gingerbread. When
the judgement day comes, God will find six crumbs. Stooping by the coffin
lid waiting for something to rise as the something's always did. Imagine
His surprise, bellowing above the general noise, "Where is Effie? She
was dead." Back to God in a tiny voice: "My name's Maybe."
The first crumb said. The number two crumb picked up the song.
"Might, I'm called. I've done no wrong." Cried the third crumb,
"I am Should. Here's our little brother Could and my big sister
Would. Don't punish us for we've been good." And the last crumb, with
some shame, whispered unto God, "My name is Must and with the others,
we've been Effie, who isn't alive and never was. Cross the threshold have
no dread. Lift the sheet back in this way.

People Some people are like wheelbarrows; useful only when pushed, and very easily upset. The time to stop talking is read more

People Some people are like wheelbarrows; useful only when pushed, and very easily upset. The time to stop talking is when the other person nods his head affirmatively but says nothing.