The front aspect of great thoughts can only be enjoyed by those who stand on the side whence they arrive.

No doubt another may also think for me; but it is not therefore desirable that he should do so to the exclusion of my thinking for myself.

Can there be any greater reproach than an idle learning? Learn to split wood, at least.

Where there is a brave man, in the thickest of the fight, there is the post of honor.

It is true, these Roman Catholics, priests and all, impress me as a people who have fallen far behind the significance of their symbols. It is as if an ox had strayed into a church and were trying to bethink himself. Nevertheless, they are capable of reverence; but we Yankees are a people in whom this sentiment has nearly died out, and in this respect we cannot bethink ourselves even as oxen.

I never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude.

There is reason in the distinction of civil and uncivil. The manners are sometimes so rough a rind that we doubt whether they cover any core or sap-wood at all.