Each man, if he attempts to join himself to others, is on all sides cramped and diminished of his proportion; and the stricter theunion, the smaller and the more pitiful he is. But leave him alone, to recognize in every hour and place the secret soul, he will go up and down doing the works of a true member, and, to the astonishment of all, the work will be done with concert, though no man spoke.

Every promise of the soul has innumerable fulfillments; each of its joys ripens into a new want.

Nature forever puts a premium on reality. What is done for effect is seen to be done for effect; what is done for love is felt to be done for love. A man inspires affection and honor because he was not lying in wait for these.

I like people who can do things

Why should we grope among the dry bones of the past, or put the living generation into masquerade out of its faded wardrobe?

Out from the heart of Nature rolled The burdens of the Bible old.

In analysing history do not be too profound, for often the causes are quite superficial.