I have discovered the secret of happiness - it is work, either with the hands or the head. The moment I have something to do, the draughts are open and my chimney draws, and I am happy.

I am not going to advocate ... the abandoning of the improved modes of travel; but I am going to brag as lustily as I can on behalf of the pedestrian, and show how all the shining angels second and accompany the man who goes afoot, while all the dark spirits are ever looking out for a chance to ride.

Nothing relieves and ventilates the mind like a resolution.

Nature is not benevolent; Nature is just, gives pound for pound, measure for measure, makes no exceptions, never tempers her decrees with mercy, or winks at any infringement of her laws.

Science has done more for the development of western civilization in one hundred years than Christianity did in eighteen hundred years.

Every day is a Sabbath to me. All pure water is holy water, and this earth is a celestial abode.

The art of nature is all in the direction of concealment.