"When I became old enough to reflect, it was the aim at which all my energies were directed to make myself a useful man. I soon found that occupation, for some useful end or other, was the true secret of happiness."
(Maury to Rutson Maury, August 31, 1840.)
"It's the talent of industry that makes a man. I don't think that so much depends upon intellect as is generally supposed; but industry and steadiness of purpose, they are the things."
(Maury to Frank Minor, July 25, 1855.)