Look sharply after your own thoughts. They come unlooked for, like a new bird seen on your trees, and, if you turn to your usual task, disappear; and you shall never find that perception again; never, I say-but perhaps years, ages, and I know not what events and worlds my lie between you and its return.

In the uttermost meaning of the words, thought is devout, and devotion is thought. Deep calls unto deep.

If we meet no gods, it is because we harbor none. If there is grandeur in you, you will find grandeur in porters and sweeps.

No man has a right perception of any truth, who has not been reacted on by it, so as to be ready to be its martyr.

If you would not be known to do anything, never do it.

To be gret is to be misunderstood.

Nature is full of freaks, and now puts an old head on young shoulders, and then takes a young heart heating under fourscore winters.