No face which we can give to a matter will stead us so well at last as the truth. This alone wears well.

It would surpass the powers of a well man nowadays to take up his bed and walk, and I should certainly advise a sick one to lay down his bed and run.

We loiter in winter while it is already spring.

I always see those of whom I have heard well with a slight disappointment. They are so much better than the great herd, and yet the heavens are not shivered into diamonds over their heads.

What avails it that another loves you, if he does not understand you? Such love is a curse.

Of all the men who were said to be my contemporaries, it seemed to me that John Brown was the only one who had not died.

It gets laughed at because it is a small town, I know, but nevertheless it is a place where great men may be born any day, for fair winds and foul blow right on over it without distinction.