Essays, entitled critical, are epistles addressed to the public, through which the mind of the recluse relieves itself of its impressions.

... the Power who gave a power, by its mere existence, signifies that it must be brought out towards perfection.

Man tells his aspiration in his God; but in his demon he shows his depth of experience.

Would that the simple maxim, that honesty is the best policy, might be laid to heart; that a sense of the true aim of life might elevate the tone of politics and trade till public and private honor become identical.

As to marriage, I think the intercourse of heart and mind may be fully enjoyed without entering into this partnership of daily life.

Very early, I knew that the only object in life was to grow.

Man is not made for society, but society is made for man. No institution can be good which does not tend to improve the individual.