We cannot see anything until we are possessed with the idea of it, take it into our heads,--and then we can hardly see anything else.

Strange that so few ever come to the woods to see how the pine lives and grows and spires, lifting its evergreen arms to the light,--to see its perfect success; but most are content to behold it in the shape of many broad boards brought to market, and deem that its true success! But the pine is no more lumber than man is, and to be made into boards and houses is no more its true and highest use than the truest use of a man is to be cut down and made into manure.

I never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude.

I have found all things thus far, persons and inanimate matter, elements and seasons, strangely adapted to my resources.

The young pines springing up in the corn-fields from year to year are to me a refreshing fact.

I think that there is nothing, not even crime, more opposed to poetry, to philosophy, ay, to life itself than this incessant business.

He listens equally to the prayers of the believer and the unbeliever.