Every burned book or house enlightens the world; every suppressed or expunged word reverberates through the earth from side to side.

When a whole nation is roaring patriotism at the top of its voice, I am fain to explore the cleanness of its hands and the purity of its heart.

The crime which bankrupts men and nations is that of turning aside from one's main purpose to serve a job here and there.

The simplest words,--we do not know what they mean except when we love and aspire.

In our fine arts, not imitation, but creation is the aim... The details, the prose of nature, he should omit, and give us only the spirit and splendour.

...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.

Walking has the best value as gymnastics of the mind.