In the opening scene of Shakespeare’s comedy “All’s Well That Ends Well,” a mother shares this quote with her son. It's excellent advice for any child (or anyone) getting ready to face the world on their own. Shakespeare tells us that every single person, regardless of background, is worthy of love. But he also cautions to be wise about who we put our trust in, because trust is something to be earned. While we may not be able to control the actions of others, we can control how we treat people. If there's one rule to live by, it's to always show kindness and never do anything to hurt others.

Some writers are capable of creating such a strong sense of tone and imagery that the mere mention of their name — Dickens, Lovecraft, Kafka — instantly conjures up a specific feeling. Edgar Allan Poe was one such writer. His poems and short stories, his tales of mystery and the macabre, are shrouded in dark atmospheres dripping with Gothic wonder. His imagery is often morbid and tinged with madness, but it’s always captivating. This quote comes from the 1842 short story “Eleonora” and explores the notion that those who allow their conscious minds and imaginations to wander can often gain more insights and ideas than those who only dream while asleep. Poe often pondered the concept of dreaming; as he wrote in a celebrated 1849 poem, “All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” One of Poe’s great powers was the ability to channel his dreams into such timeless literary works as “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” 

George Eliot was the pseudonym for Victorian English novelist Mary Ann Evans, who penned this hopeful observation of relationships’ transformative power in “Janet’s Repentance,” the third short story of her 1857 fictional trilogy “Scenes of Clerical Life.” The story centers around an abused, alcoholic wife named Janet Dempster and the pious but self-martyring Reverend Mr. Tryan as they help each other achieve forgiveness and compassion for themselves and others. Eliot’s musing on our ability to affect those around us for the better follows a conversation in which Mr. Tryan offers Mrs. Dempster some helpful guidance. Although the tale is set in 19th-century provincial England, its sentiments still ring true. There are few forces in life more potent than a supportive, comforting loved one who then inspires us to play that same role in the lives of others. 

The titular character of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma” is a privileged young woman whose matchmaking attempts have disastrous consequences. Emma meddles in the love life of her friend Harriet Smith, who is kind and beautiful but nonetheless lacks the sophistication and social status that Emma takes for granted. In this quote, Emma reflects on Harriet’s tenderhearted nature and realizes that it is this attribute, above all else, that makes Harriet not only a good friend, but also a desirable wife. Emma’s epiphany is a reminder that compassion and thoughtfulness are qualities that can transcend other more superficial traits when it comes to winning affection and admiration.