If you want to stay just where you are in the procession, or fall steadily behind, give obstacles a first place in your life.   If you want to move out from the crowd, and count for something more than ‘average,’ let every obstacle be welcomed as a fresh incentive to action.

Inhibition is the bridling of natural impulses to curb their imperiousness and save us from becoming their slaves.

…..people more often give offence or yield to emotion when they are over-wrought.   If they kept in retirement until they had recuperated, they would avoid such undesirable displays…..

The ploughshare must be pressed firmly into the ground that is overspread with noxious weeds.   Otherwise we till for the weeds and not for the good seed, which will not take root on the surface.

I don’t think it is possible to over-rate the hardness of the first close struggle with any natural passion, but indeed the easiness of later steps is often quite beyond one’s expectations.

…..our virtues are habits as much as our vices. …..

If you once allow yourself to fall into a habit of evil of whatever kind, the idea that you are helpless, that you are made so, that it is your nature, will very speedily creep in and try to lay hold of your mind.

Strength of character lies not in demanding special circumstances, but in mastering and using any that may be given.