John Lancaster Spalding (June 2, 1840 – August 25, 1916) was an American Catholic author, poet, advocate for higher education, the first Bishop of Peoria from 1877 to 1908. He was also a co-founder of The Catholic University of America. (wikipedia)
The zest of life lies in right doing, not in the garnered harvest.
When we have not the strength or the courage to grasp a new truth, we persuade ourselves that it is not a truth at all.
Those subjects have the greatest educational value, which are richest in incentives to the noblest self-activity.
If ancient descent could confer nobility, the lower forms of life would possess it in a greater degree than man.
When we know and love the best we are content to lack the approval of the many.
Unless we consent to lack the common things which men call success, we shall hardly become heroes or saints, philosophers or poets.
If thy words are wise, they will not seem so to the foolish: if they are deep the shallow will not appreciate them. Think not highly of thyself, then, when thou art praised by many.
If thou wouldst be interesting, keep thy personality in the background, and be great and strong in and through thy subject.
We may avoid much disappointment and bitterness of soul by learning to understand how little necessary to our joy and peace are the things the multitude most desire and seek.
If there are but few who interest thee, why shouldst thou be disappointed if but few find thee interesting?