Kindness to children, love for children, goodness to children-- these are the only investments that never fail.

How important is a constant intercourse with nature and the contemplation of natural phenomena to the preservation of moral and intellectual health!

Superfluous wealth can buy superfluities only.

I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.

I would give all the wealth of the world, and all the deeds of all the heroes, for one true vision.

We falsely attribute to men a determined character - putting together all their yesterdays - and averaging them - we presume we know them. Pity the man who has character to support - it is worse than a large family - he is the silent poor indeed.

To be awake is to be alive.