I never dreamed of any enormity greater than I have committed. I never knew, and never shall know, a worse man than myself.

One can hardly imagine a more healthful employment, or one more favorable to contemplation and the observation of nature.

Everything that is printed and bound in a book contains some echo at least of the best that is in literature.

The majority of the men of the North, and of the South and East and West, are not men of principle. If they vote, they do not sendmen to Congress on errands of humanity; but while their brothers and sisters are being scourged and hung for loving liberty,... it is the mismanagement of wood and iron and stone and gold which concerns them.

In short, I am convinced, both by faith and experience, that to maintain one's self on this earth is not a hardship but a pastime, if we will live simply and wisely; as the pursuits of the simpler nations are still the sports of the more artificial.

I quietly declare war with the State, after my fashion, though I will still make use and get advantage of her as I can, as is usual in such cases.

The life without men praise and regard as successful is but one kind. Why should we exaggerate any one kind at the expense of the others?