We should go forth on the shortest walk, perchance in the spirit of undying adventure, never to return - sending back our embalmed hearts only as relics to our desolate kingdoms.

Few, if any, creatures are equally active all night.

Nations! What are nations? Tartars! and Huns! and Chinamen! Like insects they swarm. The historian strives in vain to make them memorable. It is for want of a man that there are so many men. It is individuals that populate the world.

The silence sings. It is musical. I remember a night when it was audible. I heard the unspeakable.

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

Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveler that does the howling.

The opportunities of living are diminished in proportion as what are called the "means" are increased.