A good thought is indeed a great boon, for which God is to be first thanked; next he who is the first to utter it, and then, in a lesser, but still in a considerable degree, the friend who is the first to quote it to us. Whoever adopts and circulates a just thought, participates in the merit that originated it.

To cultivate a garden is. . . to go hand in hand with Nature in some of her most beautiful processes.

We may learn from children how large a part of our grievances is imaginary. But the pain is just as real.

Judicious praise is to children what the sun is to flowers.

Panic is a sudden desertion of us, and a going over to the enemy of our imagination.

Youth is too tumultuous for felicity; old age too insecure for happiness. The period most favorable to enjoyment, in a vigorous, fortunate, and generous life, is that between forty and sixty.

Common sense, alas in spite of our educational institutions, is a rare commodity.