People who feel themselves to be exiles in this world are mightily inclined to believe themselves citizens of another.

We do right enough darling, if we go wrong together.

Man is a fighting animal; his thoughts are his banners, and it is a failure of nerve in him if they are only thoughts.

To most people, I fancy, the stars are beautiful; but if you asked why, they would be at a loss to reply, until they remembered what they had heard about astronomy, and the great size and distance and possible habitation of those orbs. ... [We] persuade ourselves that the power of the starry heavens lies in the suggestion of astronomical facts.

Science is nothing but developed perception, interpreted intent, common sense rounded out and minutely articulated.

Beautiful things, when taste is formed, are obviously and unaccountably beautiful.

A simple life is its own reward.