It is by presence of mind in untried emergencies that the native metal of man is tested. – James Russell Lowell
Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle. – James Russell Lowell
Greatly begin. Though thou have time, but for a line, be that sublime. Not failure, but low aim is crime. – James Russell Lowell
Once to every person and nation come the moment to decide. In the conflict of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side. – James Russell Lowell
Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but it is the light by which the world looks for and finds merit. – James Russell Lowell
I have always been of the mind that in a democracy manners are the only effective weapons against the bowie-knife. – James Russell Lowell
Creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found. – James Russell Lowell
To educate the intelligence is to expand the horizon of its wants and desires. – James Russell Lowell
Good luck is the willing handmaid of a upright and energetic character, and conscientious observance of duty. – James Russell Lowell
Where one person shapes their life by precept and example, there are a thousand who have shaped it by impulse and circumstances. – James Russell Lowell
It is the privilege of genius that life never grows common place, as it does for the rest of us. – James Russell Lowell
A weed is no more than a flower in disguise, Which is seen through at once, if love give a man eyes. – James Russell Lowell
As life runs on, the road grows strange with faces new – and near the end. The milestones into headstones change, Neath every one a friend. – James Russell Lowell