The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.

Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.

There is always a well-known solution to every human problem--neat, plausible, and wrong.

Never try to reason the prejudice out of a man. It was not reasoned into him, and cannot be reasoned out.

The time to pray is not when we are in a tight spot but just as soon as we get out of it.

Call on God, but row away from the rocks.

Pray as if everything depended upon God and work as if everything depended upon man.

Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle.

When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy.

Be thou the first true merit to befriend, his praise is lost who stays till all commend.