A man receives only what he is ready to receive, whether physically or intellectually or morally, as animals conceive at certain seasons their kind only. We hear and apprehend only what we already half know.

The fruits eaten temperately need not make us ashamed of our appetites, nor interrupt the worthiest pursuits. But put an extra condiment into your dish, and it will poison you.

I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.

I feel as if my life had grown more outward when I can express it.

My excuse for not lecturing against the use of tobacco is, that I never chewed it; that is a penalty which reformed tobacco-chewers have to pay; though there are things enough I have chewed which I could lecture against.

It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?

Pity the man who has a character to support - it is worse than a large family - he is silent poor indeed.