The enormous influence of novelty--the way in which it quickens observations, sharpens sensations, and exalts sentiment--is not half enough taken note of by us, and is to me a very sorrowful matter. And yet, if we try to obtain perpetual change, change itself will become monotonous.

The path of a good woman is indeed strewn with flowers; but they rise behind her steps, not before them.

The actual flower is the plant's highest fulfilment, and are not here exclusively for herbaria, county floras and plant geography: they are here first of all for delight.

I cannot but think it an evil sign of a people when their houses are built to last for one generation only.

Civilization is the making of civil persons.

Bread of flour is good; but there is bread, sweet as honey, if we would eat it, in a good book.

The object of true education is to make people not merely do the right things, but enjoy them