This very certain that each man carries in his eye the exact indication of his rank in the immense scale of men, and we are always learning to read it. A complete man should need no auxiliaries to his personal presence.

Keep the town for occasions, but the habits should be formed in retirement.

A man should not be a silkworm; nor a nation a tent of caterpillars.

I remember an answer which when quite young I was prompted to make a valued adviser who was wont to importune me with the dear old doctrines of the church. On my saying, What have I to do with the sacredness of traditions, if I live wholly from within? my friend suggested, - "But these impulses may be from below, not from above." I replied, 'They do not seem to me to be such; but if I am the devil's child, I will live then from the devil.'

Cities degrade us by magnifying trifles.

I have thought a sufficient measure of civilization is the influence of good women.

All good conversation, manners, and action come from a spontaneity which forgets usages and makes the moment great.