Every reform, however necessary, will by weak minds be carried to an excess which will itself need reforming.

Every reform, however necessary, will by weak minds be carried to an excess which will itself need reforming.

A reformer is a man who rides through a sewer in a glass-bottomed boat.

A reformer is a man who rides through a sewer in a glass-bottomed boat.

At twenty a man is full of fight and hope. He wants to reform the world. When he is seventy read more

At twenty a man is full of fight and hope. He wants to reform the world. When he is seventy he still wants to reform the world, but he knows he can't.

All reformers are bachelors.

All reformers are bachelors.

Reform is born of need, not pity. No vital movement of the people has worked down, for good or evil; read more

Reform is born of need, not pity. No vital movement of the people has worked down, for good or evil; fermented, instead, carried up the heaving, cloggy mass.

Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their
reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. read more

Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their
reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform.
Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or
nothing in the world's estimation.

All zeal for a reform, that gives offence
To peace and charity, is mere pretence.

All zeal for a reform, that gives offence
To peace and charity, is mere pretence.

The oyster-women lock'd their fish up,
And trudged away to cry, No Bishop.

The oyster-women lock'd their fish up,
And trudged away to cry, No Bishop.

Reform must come from within, not from without. You cannot legislate for virtue.

Reform must come from within, not from without. You cannot legislate for virtue.