The whole body of what is now called moral or ethical truth existed in the golden age as abstract science. Or, if we prefer, we may say that the laws of Nature are the purest morality.

Many are concerned about the monuments of the West and the East -- to know who built them. For my part, I should like to know who in those days did not build them -- who were above such trifling.

Let the beautiful laws prevail. Let us not weary ourselves by resisting them.

There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.

I have hardly begun to live on Staten Island yet; but, like the man who, when forbidden to tread on English ground, carried Scottish ground in his boots, I carry Concord ground in my boots and in my hat,--and am I not made of Concord dust? I cannot realize that it is the roar of the sea I hear now, and not the wind in Walden woods. I find more of Concord, after all, in the prospect of the sea, beyond Sandy Hook, than in the fields and woods.

A man may acquire a taste for wine or brandy, and so lose his love for water, but should we not pity him.

Unjust laws exist: shall we be content to obey them?