Truth strikes us from behind and in the dark, as well as from before and in broad daylight.

At least let us have healthy books.

A man will not need to study history to find out what is best for his own culture.

To him whose elastic and vigorous thought keeps pace with the sun, the day is a perpetual morning.

I believe that what so saddens the reformer is not his sympathy with his fellows in distress, but, though he be the holiest son of God, is his private ail. Let this be righted, let the spring come to him, the morning rise over his couch, and he will forsake his generous companions without apology.

I have travelled a good deal in Concord.

To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity and trust.