How does it become a man to behave towards the American government today? I answer, that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it.

In short, I am convinced, both by faith and experience, that to maintain one's self on this earth is not a hardship but a pastime, if we will live simply and wisely; as the pursuits of the simpler nations are still the sports of the more artificial.

However mean your life is, meet it and live it.

I am still a learner, not a teacher, feeding somewhat omnivorously, browsing both stalk & leaves

How earthy old people become --moldy as the grave! Their wisdom smacks of the earth. There is no foretaste of immortality in it. They remind me of earthworms and mole crickets.

It is not so important that many should be good as you, as that there be some absolute goodness somewhere; for that will leaven the whole lump.

If one hesitates in his path, let him not proceed. Let him respect his doubts, for doubts, too, may have some divinity in them.