Wherever a man separates from the multitude, and goes his own way in this mood, there indeed is a fork in the road, though ordinary travelers may see only a gap in the paling. His solitary path across lots will turn out the higher way of the two.

Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.

It is said that some Western steamers can run on a heavy dew, whence we can imagine what a canoe may do.

In most books, the I, of first person, is omitted; in this it will be retained; that, in respect to egotism, is the main difference.

In the planting of the seeds of most trees, the best gardeners do no more than follow Nature, though they may not know it.

The true harvest of my daily life is somewhat as intangible and indescribable as the tints of morning or evening.

A thoroughbred business man cannot enter heartily upon the business of life without first looking into his accounts.