Charlotte Bronte

I hold a creed, which no one ever taught me, and which I seldon mention, but in which I delight, and to which I cling, for it extends hope to all; it makes eternity a rest - a mighty home - not a terror and an abyss. With this creed, I can so clearly distinguish between the criminal and his crime, I can so sincerly forgive the first while I abhor the last; with this creed, revenge never worries my heart, degredation never too deeply disgusts me, injustice bever crushes me too low; I live in calm, looking to the end.

Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs.

I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me; I must resist those who punish me unjustly.

I try to avoid looking backward and keep looking upward.

It is vain to say human beings might be satisfied with tranquillity; they must have action, and they will make it if they can not find it.

A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.

Cheerfulness, it would appear, is a matter which depends fully as much on the state of things within, as on the state of things without and around us.

It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.

Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last.

Look twice before you leap.

If we would build on a sure foundation in friendship, we must love friends for their sake rather than for our own.

If all the world hated you and believed you wicked, while your own conscience approved of you and absolved you from guilt, you would not be without friends.