Men are so constituted that every one undertakes what he sees another successful in, whether he has aptitude for it or not.

Perseverance is a silent power that grows irresistibly greater with time.

People do not mind their faults being spread out before them, but they become impatient if called on to give them up.

If it is the greatest truth that you seek, the plants can direct you.

The best government is that which teaches us to govern ourselves.

In all our academies we attempt far too much. ... In earlier times lectures were delivered upon chemistry and botany as branches of medicine, and the medical student learned enough of them. Now, however, chemistry and botany are become sciences of themselves, incapable of comprehension by a hasty survey, and each demanding the study of a whole life, yet we expect the medical student to understand them. He who is prudent, accordingly declines all distracting claims upon his time, and limits himself to a single branch and becomes expert in one thing.

Dispel not, the happy delusions of children.