“A hermit is simply a person to whom civilization has failed to adjust itself.”

“The function of the university is not simply to teach breadwinning, or to furnish teachers for the public schools, or to be a centre of polite society; it is, above all, to be the organ of that fine adjustment between real life and the growing knowledge of life, an adjustment which forms the secret of civilization.”

“Aspire to decency. Practice civility toward one another. Admire and emulate ethical behavior wherever you find it. Apply a rigid standard of morality to your lives; and if, periodically, you fail ­ as you surely will ­ adjust your lives, not the standards.”

“We are not used to persons who do things simply for the love of god whom they don't believe in.”

“A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.”

“The mind can weave itself warmly in the cocoon of its own thoughts, and dwell a hermit anywhere.”