The earth is a machine which yields almost gratuitous service to every application of intellect. Every plant is a manufacturer of soil. In the stomach of the plant development begins. The tree can draw on the whole air, the whole earth, on all the rolling main. The plant is all suction-pipe,--imbibing from the ground by its root, from the air by its leaves, with all its might.

How painful to give a gift to any person of sensibility, or of equality! It is next worst to receiving one

Only so much of life do I know as I have lived.

Character is an invincible force, which acts by presence and without means

Don't be a cynic, and bewail and bemoan. Omit the negative propositions. Don't waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good. Set down nothing that will help somebody.

As much wisdom may be expended on a private economy as on an empire, and as much wisdom may be drawn from it.

A man's library is a sort of harem.