Charles Dickens

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.

Adversity • Gratitude • Human

Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts.

Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts.

Compassion • Empathy • Improvement

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark their progress.

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark their progress.

Beauty • Change • Nature

There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth.

There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth.

Emergency • Life • Safety

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.

Communication • Happiness

There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.

There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.

Aesthetics • Books • Design

I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free.

I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free.

Freedom • Nature

Fan the sinking flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship; and pass the rosy wine.

Fan the sinking flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship; and pass the rosy wine.

Alcohol • Friendship • Humor

We forge the chains we wear in life.

We forge the chains we wear in life.

Accountability • Life • Reflection

The men who learn endurance, are they who call the whole world, brother.

The men who learn endurance, are they who call the whole world, brother.

Endurance • Perseverance • Strength

A loving heart is the truest wisdom.

A loving heart is the truest wisdom.

Love • Wisdom

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.

Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.

Home • Language • Magic

Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape.

Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape.

Adversity • Growth • Overcoming

Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.

Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.

Charity • Justice • Neighbors

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.

Altruism • Empathy • Generosity

Never close your lips to those whom you have already opened your heart.

Never close your lips to those whom you have already opened your heart.

Communication • Relationships • Trust

It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations.

It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations.

Family • Relationships • Success

I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.

I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.

Adversity • Desire • Love

Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before - more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.

Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before - more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.

Compassion • Gratitude • Growth