Whatever has not come under the sway of man is wild. In this sense original and independent men are wild - not tamed and broken by society.

The music of all creatures has to do with their loves, even of toads and frogs. Is it not the same with man?

I did not go to Boston, for with regard to that place I sympathize with one of my neighbors, an old man, who has not been there since the last war, when he was compelled to go. No, I have a real genius for staying at home.

Webster never goes behind government, and so cannot speak with authority about it. His words are wisdom to those legislators who contemplate no essential reform in the existing government; but for thinkers, and those who legislate for all time, he never once glances at the subject.... Comparatively, he is always strong, original, and, above all, practical. Still, his quality is not wisdom, but prudence.

My profession is to be always on the alert to find God in nature, to know his lurking-places, to attend all the oratorios, the operas in nature.

How few things can a man measure with the tape of his understanding ; How many greater things might he be seeing in the meanwhile.

I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary.