Men and boys are learning all kinds of trades but how to make men of themselves. They learn to make houses; but they are not so well housed, they are not so contented in their houses, as the woodchucks in their holes.

Speech is for the convenience of those who are hard of hearing; but there are many fine things which we cannot say if we have to shout.

If I knew for a certainty that a man was coming to my house with the conscious design of doing me good, I should run for my life.

Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.

The intellect is a cleaver; it discerns and rifts its way into the secrets of things.

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.

Unless the human race perspire more than I do, there is no occasion to live by the sweat of their brow. If men cannot get on without money (the smallest amount will suffice), the truest method of earning it is by working as a laborer at one dollar per day. You are least dependent so; I speak as an expert, having used several kinds of labor.