Who could believe in the prophecies ... that the world would end this summer, while one milkweed with faith matured its seeds.

The brave man braves nothing, nor knows he of his bravery.

A book should contain pure discoveries, glimpses of terra firma, though by shipwrecked mariners, and not the art of navigation by those who have never been out of sight of land.

If you see a man approaching you with the obvious intent of doing you good, you should run for your life.

Columbus felt the westward tendency more strongly than any before. He obeyed it, and found a New World for Castile and Leon.

Listen to music religiously, as if it were the last strain you might hear.

The voice of nature is always encouraging.