“If there ever was a time when any one class could of itself do much for its own good, and for the welfare of society—which I greatly doubt—that time is unquestionably past.”

Arguing that social improvement requires cooperation across groups · Speech, Birmingham, 30 December 1853

• Hope
• Truth

“The more we are in earnest as to feeling it, the less we are disposed to hold forth about it.”

Suggesting that sincere faith tends towards humility rather than display · Letter to Edward Bulwer Lytton Dickens, 1868

• Faith
• Truth

“Education for the business of life, and for the due cultivation of domestic virtues, is at least as important from day to day to the grown person as to the child.”

Arguing that education remains essential throughout adult life · Speech, Glasgow Athenæum, 28 December 1847

• Childhood
• Truth