Can there be any greater reproach than an idle learning? Learn to split wood, at least.

I have hardly begun to live on Staten Island yet; but, like the man who, when forbidden to tread on English ground, carried Scottish ground in his boots, I carry Concord ground in my boots and in my hat,--and am I not made of Concord dust? I cannot realize that it is the roar of the sea I hear now, and not the wind in Walden woods. I find more of Concord, after all, in the prospect of the sea, beyond Sandy Hook, than in the fields and woods.

A man may grow rich in Turkey even, if he will be in all respects a good subject of the Turkish government.

Nature herself has not provided the most graceful end for her creatures. What becomes of all these birds that people the air and forest for our solacement? The sparrow seems always chipper, never infirm. We do not see their bodies lie about. Yet there is a tragedy at the end of each one of their lives. They must perish miserably; not one of them is translated. True, "not a sparrow falleth to the ground without our Heavenly Father's knowledge," but they do fall, nevertheless.

There is a chasm between knowledge and ignorance which the arches of science can never span.

I do not judge men by anything they can do. Their greatest deed is the impression they make on me.

I have no doubt that it is part of the destiny of the human race in its gradual improvement, to leave off eating animals.