One cannot too soon forget his errors and misdemeanors; for to dwell upon them is to add to the offense.

We are sometimes made aware of a kindness long passed, and realize that there have been times when our friends' thoughts of us were of so pure and lofty a character that they passed over us like the winds of heaven unnoticed when they treated us not as what we were, but as what we aspired to be. -- from A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers

There are three things that grow more precious with age; old wood to burn, old books to read, and old friends to enjoy.

The real man is one who always finds excuses for others, but never excuses himself.

Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation.

I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.

A forgiveness ought to be like a canceled note, torn in two and burned up, so that it can never be shown against the man.

God pardons like a mother, who kisses the offense into everlasting forgiveness.

Good nature is worth more than knowledge, more than money, more than honor, to the persons who possess it.

Every man should keep a fair-sized cemetery in which to bury the faults of his friends.

The cynic is one who never sees a good quality in a man, and never fails to see a bad one. He is a human owl, vigilant in darkness, and blind to light, mousing for vermin, and never seeing noble game.

Love yourself unconditionally, just as you love those closest to you despite their faults