"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers."
"Truth and right are above utility in all realms of thought and action."
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Source: Charles William Eliot, Harvard University (1969). “A turning point in higher education: the inaugural address of Charles William Eliot as president of Harvard College, October 19, 1869”
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"Be unselfish. That is the first and final commandment for those who would be useful and happy in their usefulness. If you think of yourself only, you cannot develop because you are choking the source of development, which is spiritual expansion through thought for others."
"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends."
"I have a conviction that a few weeks spent in a well organized summer camp may be of more value educationally than a whole year of formal school work."
"If I had the opportunity to say a fine word to all the young people of America, it would be this: Don't think too much about yourselves. Try to cultivate the habit of thinking of others; this will reward you. Nourish your minds by good reading, constant reading. Discover what your lifework is, work in which you can do most good, in which you can be happiest. Be unafraid in all things when you know you are in the right."
"Messenger of sympathy and love, Servant of parted friends, Consoler of the lonely, Bond of the scattered family, Enlarger of the common life."