It is impossible to give a soldier a good education without making him a deserter. His natural foe is the government that drills him.

Of what significance the light of day, if it is not the reflection of an inward dawn?--to what purpose is the veil of night withdrawn, if the morning reveals nothing to the soul? It is merely garish and glaring.

The news we hear, for the most part, is not news to our genius. It is the stalest repetition.

Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end.

There are theoretical reformers at all times, and all the world over, living on anticipation.

What is called genius is the abundance of life and health.

A nation may be ever so civilized and yet lack wisdom.