There is a patent office at the seat of government of the universe, whose managers are as much interested in the dispersion of seeds as anybody at Washington can be, and their operations are infinitely more extensive and regular.

That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.

He is blessed over all mortals who loses no moment of the passing life in remembering the past

Trade and commerce, if they were not made of Indian rubber, would never manage to bounce over the obstacles which legislators are continually putting in their way.

There have been heroes for whom this world seemed expressly prepared, as if creation had at last succeeded; whose daily life was the stuff of which our dreams are made, and whose presence enhanced the beauty and ampleness of Nature herself.

How can you expect the birds to sing when their groves are cut down?

The oldest, wisest politician grows not more human so, but is merely a gray wharf rat at last.