Philosophy, having crept clinging to the rocks so far, puts out its feelers many ways in vain.

Some are reputed sick and some are not. It often happens that the sicker man is the nurse to the sounder.

He is the rich man, and enjoys the fruit of his riches, who summer and winter forever can find delight in his own thoughts.

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.

I must conclude that Conscience, if that be the name of it, was not given us for no purpose, or for a hindrance. However flattering order and expediency may look, it is but the repose of a lethargy, and we will choose rather to be awake, though it be stormy, and maintain ourselves on this earth, and in this life, as we may, without signing our death-warrant. Let us see if we cannot stay here, where He has put us, on his own conditions. Does not his law reach as far as his light? The expedients of the nations clash with one another: only the absolutely right is expedient for all.

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.

One can hardly imagine a more healthful employment, or one more favorable to contemplation and the observation of nature.