Many are concerned about the monuments of the West and the East -- to know who built them. For my part, I should like to know who in those days did not build them -- who were above such trifling.

Health requires this relaxation, this aimless life. This life in the present.

I do not remember anything which Confucius has said directly respecting man's "origin, purpose, and destiny." He was more practical than that. He is full of wisdom applied to human relations,--to the private life,--the family,--government, etc. It is remarkable that, according to his own account, the sum and substance of his teaching is, as you know, to do as you would be done by.

One may almost doubt if the wisest man has learned anything of absolute value by living.

The botanist should make interest with the bees if he would know when the flowers open and when they close.

The government of the world I live in was not framed, like that of Britain, in after-dinner conversations over the wine.

Nature is goodness crystallized.