Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was already but too easy to arrive at; as railroads lead to Boston or New York. We are in great haste to construct a magnetic telegraph from Maine to Texas; but Maine and Texas, it may be, have nothing important to communicate.

As to conforming outwardly and living your own life inwardly, I do not think much of that.

I turned my face more exclusively than ever to the woods, where I was better known.

Scholars are wont to sell their birthright for a mess of learning.

I have much to learn of the Indian, nothing of the missionary.

If the alternative is to keep all just men in prison, or give up war and slavery, the State will not hesitate which to choose.

God is alone,-but the devil, he is far from being alone; he sees a great deal of company; he is legion.