Like a plant that starts up in showers and sunshine and does not know which has best helped it to grow, it is difficult to say whether the hard things or the pleasant things did me the most good.

Whoever claims to understand another person completely, is either entirely ignorant of himself, or else has a nature so small that he can measure it easily, and supposes it to be the standard of every other nature.

Many kinds of fruit grow upon the tree of life, but none so sweet as friendship; as with the orange tree its blossoms and fruit appear at the same time, full of refreshment for sense and for soul.

The peach-bud glows, the wild bee hums, and wind-flowers wave in graceful gladness.

That larger vision is certain to make clear the value in our own lives of service to others.

If the world 's a vale of tears, Smile, till rainbows span it!

I don't own an inch of land, but all I see is mine.