It is mere rubbish thinking, at present, of origin of life; one might as well think of origin of matter.

...he who remains passive when over-whelmed with grief loses his best chance of recovering his elasticity of mind.

History shows that the human mind, fed by constant accessions of knowledge, periodically grows too large for its theoretical coverings, and bursts them asunder to appear in new habiliments, as the feeding and growing grub, at intervals, casts its too narrow skin and assumes another.

Blushing is the most peculiar and most human of all expressions.

My books have sold largely in England, have been translated into many languages, and passed through several editions in foreign countries. I have heard it said that the success of a work abroad is the best test of its enduring value. I doubt whether this is at all trustworthy; but judged by this standard my name ought to last for a few years.

As buds give rise by growth to fresh buds, and these, if vigorous, branch out and overtop on all sides many a feebler branch, so by generation I believe it has been with the great Tree of Life, which fills with its dead and broken branches the crust of the earth, and covers the surface with its ever branching and beautiful ramifications.

One general law, leading to the advancement of all organic beings, namely, multiply, vary, let the strongest live and the weakest die.