If in the least particular, one could derange the order of nature, who would accept the gift of life?

There are many virtues in books, but the essential value is the adding of knowledge to our stock by the record of new facts, and, better, by the record of intuitions which distribute facts, and are the formulas which supersede all histories.

Almost all people descend to meet. All association must be a compromise, and, what is worst, the very flower and aroma of the flower of each of the beautiful natures disappears as they approach each other.

Every opinion reacts on him who utters it.

Before a leaf-bud has burst, its whole life acts; in the full-blown flower there is no more; in the leafless root there is no less.

Some natures are too good to be spoiled by praise.

I read your piece on Plato. Holmes, when you strike at a king, you must kill him.