Genius is its own end.

When the eyes say one thing, and the tongue another, a practiced man relies on the language of the first.

If you cannot be free be as free as you can.

Speak the affirmative; emphasize your choice by utter ignoring of all that you reject.

As Arkwright and Whitney were the demi-gods of cotton, so prolific Time will yet bring an inventor to every plant. There is not a property in nature but a mind is born to seek and find it.

I thought as I rode in the cold pleasant light of Sunday morning how silent & passive nature offers, every morn, her wealth to man; she is immensely rich, he is welcome to her entire goods, which he speaks no word, only leaves over doors ajar, hall, store room, & cellar. He may do as he will: if he takes her hint & uses her goods, she speaks no word; if he blunders & starves, she says nothing.

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.