What a fool he must be who thinks that his El Dorado is anywhere but where he lives.

A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.

To enjoy a thing exclusively is commonly to exclude yourself from the true enjoyment of it.

If I wished to see a mountain or other scenery under the most favorable auspices, I would go to it in foul weather, so as to be there when it cleared up; we are then in the most suitable mood, and nature is most fresh and inspiring. There is no serenity so fair as that which is just established in a tearful eye.

Nature seemed to have adorned herself for our departure with a profusion of fringes and curls, mingled with the bright tints of flowers, reflected in the water. But we missed the white water-lily, which is the queen of river flowers, its reign being over for this season.... Many of this species inhabit our Concord water.

As a man thinks of himself, so he is.

Scholars are wont to sell their birthright for a mess of learning.