We soon get through with nature. She excites an expectation which she cannot satisfy.

All endeavour calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil.

A man is wise with the wisdom of his time only, and ignorant with its ignorance.

I would remind my countrymen, that they are to be men first, and Americans only at a late and convenient hour. No matter how valuable law may be to protect your property, even to keep soul and body together, if it do not keep you and humanity together.

This was sheer idleness to my fellow-townsmen, no doubt; but if the birds and flowers had tried me by their standard, I should not have been found wanting. A man must find his occasions in himself, it is true. The natural day is very calm, and will hardly reprove his indolence.

Most men I do not meet at all, for they seem not to have time; they are busy about their beans.

I have found that no exertion of the legs can bring two minds much nearer to one another.