It is not worth the while to go round the world to count the cats in Zanzibar. Yet do this even till you can do better, and you may perhaps find some "Symmes' Hole" by which to get at the inside at last.

Like speaks to like only; labor to labor, philosophy to philosophy, criticism to criticism, poetry to poetry. Literature speaks how much still to the past, how little to the future, how much to the East, how little to the West.

Most of the luxuries and many of the so-called comforts of life are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.

Even the elephant carries but a small trunk on his journeys. The perfection of traveling is to travel without baggage.

I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.

Men are as innocent as the morning to the unsuspicious.

I should consider it a greater success to interest one wise and earnest soul, than a million unwise and frivolous.