No man with a genius for legislation has appeared in America. They are rare in the history of the world. There are orators, politicians, and eloquent men, by the thousand; but the speaker has not yet opened his mouth to speak who is capable of settling the much-vexed questions of the day. We love eloquence for its own sake, and not for any truth which it may utter, or any heroism it may inspire. Our legislators have not yet learned the comparative value of free trade and of freedom, of union, and of rectitude, to a nation.
Henry David ThoreauOne cannot too soon forget his errors and misdemeanors. To dwell long upon them is to add to the offense.
Henry David ThoreauI love my friends very much, but I find that it is of no use to go to see them. I hate them commonly when I am near them. They belie themselves and deny me continually.
Henry David ThoreauOur science, so called, is always more barren and mixed with error than our sympathies.
Henry David Thoreau