If I devote myself to other pursuits and contemplations, I must first see, at least, that I do not pursue them sitting upon another man's shoulders. I must get off him first, that he may pursue his contemplations too.

You don't know your testament when you see it.

All men are partially buried in the grave of custom, and of some we see only the crown of the head above ground. Better are the physically dead, for they more lively rot. Even virtue is no longer such if it be stagnant. A man's life should be constantly as fresh as this river. It should be the same channel, but a new water every instant.

The universe seems bankrupt as soon as we begin to discuss the characters of individuals.

The first pleasant days of spring come out like a squirrel and go in again.

It is true, I never assisted the sun materially in his rising, but doubt not, it was of the last importance only to be present at it.

As we looked up in silence to those distant lights, we were reminded that it was a rare imagination which first taught that the stars are worlds, and had conferred a great benefit on mankind.