I hardly know an intellectual man, even, who is so broad and truly liberal that you can think aloud in his society.

Simplicity is the peak of civilization.

On the whole, my respect for my fellow-men, except as one may outweigh a million, is not being increased these days.... Such do not know that like the seed is the fruit, and that, in the moral world, when good seed is planted, good fruit is inevitable, and does not depend on our watering and cultivating; that when you plant, or bury, a hero in his field, a crop of heroes is sure to spring up. This is a seed of such force and vitality, that it does not ask our leave to germinate.

How many fine thoughts has every man had! How few fine thoughts are expressed!

Some creatures are made to see in the dark.

I would remind my countrymen, that they are to be men first, and Americans only at a late and convenient hour. No matter how valuable law may be to protect your property, even to keep soul and body together, if it do not keep you and humanity together.

Men have come to such a pass that they frequently starve, not for want of necessaries, but for want of luxuries.