Be wary of technology; it is often merely an improved means to an unimproved end.

Not till we are lost, in other words not till we have lost the world, do we begin to find ourselves, and realize where we are and the infinite extent of our relations.

The walls that fence our fields, as well as modern Rome, and not less the Parthenon itself, are all built of ruins.

There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance.

How does it become a man to behave towards the American government today? I answer, that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it.

At present the globe goes with a shattered constitution in its orbit.... No doubt the simple powers of nature, properly directed by man, would make it healthy and a paradise; as the laws of man's own constitution but wait to be obeyed, to restore him to health and happiness.

The success of great scholars and thinkers is commonly a courtier-like success, not kingly, not manly.