To a philosopher all news, as it is called, is gossip, and they who edit and read it are old women over their tea.

Exaggerated history is poetry, and truth referred to a new standard.

Men do not fail commonly for want of knowledge, but for want of prudence to give wisdom the preference.

But why should not the New Englander try new adventures - not lay so much stress on his grain, his potato and grass crop, and his orchards - and raise other crops than these? Why concern ourselves so much about our beans for seed, and not be concerned at all about a new generation of men.

Heroes are often the most ordinary of men.

The science of Humboldt is one thing, poetry is another thing. The poet to-day, notwithstanding all the discoveries of science, and the accumulated learning of mankind, enjoys no advantage over Homer.

Whatever beauty we behold, the more it is distant, serene, and cold, the purer and more durable it is. It is better to warm ourselves with ice than with fire.