Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these help instead of hinder, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the read more

Trials, temptations, disappointments -- all these help instead of hinder, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fiber of a character, but strengthen it. Every conquered temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to
myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that read more

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to
myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us
not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of
you be puffed up for one against another.

Are you a bromide?

Are you a bromide?

Character builds slowly, but it can be torn down within incredible swiftness.

Character builds slowly, but it can be torn down within incredible swiftness.

There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
read more

There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it ill behoves any of us
To find fault with the rest of us.

From their folded mates they wander far,
Their ways seem harsh and wild:
They follow the beck read more

From their folded mates they wander far,
Their ways seem harsh and wild:
They follow the beck of a baleful star,
Their paths are dream-beguiled.

Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it, you'd have good people doing good things and evil read more

Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it, you'd have good people doing good things and evil people doing bad things, but for good people to do bad things, it takes religion.

So well she acted all and every part
By turns--with that vivacious versatility,
Which many people take read more

So well she acted all and every part
By turns--with that vivacious versatility,
Which many people take for want of heart.
They err--'tis merely what is call'd mobility,
A thing of temperament and not of art,
Though seeming so, from its supposed facility;
And false--though true; for surely they're sincerest
Who are strongly acted on by what is nearest.

Many men build as cathedrals were built, the part nearest the
ground finished; but that part which soars toward read more

Many men build as cathedrals were built, the part nearest the
ground finished; but that part which soars toward heaven, the
turrets and the spires, forever incomplete.