It's not enough to be busy.

The mission of men there seems to be, like so many busy demons, to drive the forest all out of the country, from every solitary beaver swamp and mountain-side, as soon as possible.

The process of discovery is very simple. An unwearied and systematic application of known laws to nature, causes the unknown to reveal themselves. Almost any mode of observation will be successful at last, for what is most wanted is method.

It requires nothing less than a chivalric feeling to sustain a conversation with a lady.

To say that God has given a man many and great talents frequently means that he has brought his heavens down within reach of his hands.

I do not see why the schoolmaster should be taxed to support the priest, and not the priest the schoolmaster.

To speak impartially, the best men that I know are not serene, a world in themselves. For the most part, they dwell in forms, andflatter and study effect only more finely than the rest.