I wish to learn what life has to teach, and not, when I come to die, discover that I have not truly lived.

I have seen more men than usual, lately; and, well as I was acquainted with one, I am surprised to find what vulgar fellows they are.

Measure your health by your sympathy with morning and Spring.

I rejoice that horses and steers have to be broken before they can be made the slaves of men, and that men themselves have some wild oats still left to sow before they become submissive members of society. Undoubtedly, all men are not equally fit subjects for civilization; and because the majority, like dogs and sheep, are tame by inherited disposition, this is no reason why the others should have their natures broken that they may be reduced to the same level.

There are moments when all anxiety and stated toil are becalmed in the infinite leisure and repose of nature.

Individuals, like nations, must have suitable broad and natural boundaries, even a considerable neutral ground, between them.

The knowledge of an unlearned man is living and luxuriant like a forest, but covered with mosses and lichens and for the most part inaccessible and going to waste; the knowledge of the man of science is like timber collected in yards for public works, which still supports a green sprout here and there, but even this is liable to dry rot.