We are born as innocents. We are polluted by advice.

The chickadee and nuthatch are more inspiring society than statesmen and philosophers, and we shall return to these last as to more vulgar companions.

The true finish is the work of time, and the use to which a thing is put. The elements are still polishing the pyramids.

Do not suffer your life to be taken by newspapers.

Every oak tree started out as a couple of nuts who stood their ground.

Truth strikes us from behind and in the dark, as well as from before and in broad daylight.

It is impossible to say all that we think, even to our truest Friend. We may bid him farewell forever sooner than complain, for our complaint is too well grounded to be uttered.