Our friends interpret the world and ourselves to us, if we take them tenderly and truly.
Amos Bronson AlcottThe true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-trust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciples.
Amos Bronson AlcottWhen one becomes indifferent to women, to children, and young people., he may know that he is superannuated, and has withdrawn from whatsoever is sweetest and purest in human existence.
Amos Bronson AlcottBooks are the most mannerly of companions, accessible at all times, in all moods, frankly declaring the author's mind, without offense.
Amos Bronson AlcottA birthday is a good time to begin a new; throwing away the old habits, as you would old clothes, and never putting them again.
Amos Bronson AlcottWhat higher praise can we bestow on any one than to say of him that he harbors another's prejudices with a hospitality so cordial as to give him, for the time, the sympathy next best to, if indeed it be not edification in, charity itself. For what disturbs more and distracts mankind than the uncivil manners that cleave man from man?
Amos Bronson Alcott