The gift, to be true, must be the flowing of the giver unto me, correspondent to my flowing unto him.

Wise men read very sharply all your private history in your look and gait and behavior. The whole economy of nature is bent on expression. The tell-tale body is all tongues. Men are like Geneva watches with crystal faces which expose the whole movement.

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

To aim to convert a man by miracles is a profanation of the soul.

A man finds room in the few square inches of the face for the traits of all his ancestors; for the expression of all his history, and his wants.

God never jests with us, and will not compromise the end of nature, by permitting any inconsequence in its procession.

Cannot we let [children] be themselves, and enjoy life in their own way? You are trying to make another you. One's enough.