The good writer seems to be writing about himself, but has his eye always on that thread of the Universe which runs through himself and all things.

If you act, you show character; if you sit still, you show it; if you sleep you show it.

Literature is eavesdropping.

In the learned journal, in the influential newspaper, I discern no form; only some irresponsible shadow; oftener some monied corporation, or some dangler, who hopes, in the mask and robes of his paragraph, to pass for somebody. But through every clause and part of speech of the right book I meet the eyes of the most determined men; his force and terror inundate every word: the commas and dashes are alive; so that the writing is athletic and nimble,--can go far and live long.

The days come and go but they say nothing, and if we do not use the gifts they bring, they carry them as silently away.

Be not the slave of your own past - plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep, and swim far.

...in the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in the streets or villages...in the woods we return to reason and faith.