That which befits us, embosomed in beauty and wonder as we are, is cheerfulness, and courage, and the endeavor to realize our aspirations. Shall not the heart which has received so much, trust the Power by which it lives? May it not quit other leadings, and listen to the Soul that has guided it so gently, and taught it so much, secure that the future will be worthy of the past?

The two parties which divide the state, the party of Conservation and that of Innovation, are very old, and have disputed the possession of the world ever since it was made.

I suppose an entire cabinet of shells would be an expression of the whole human mind; a Flora of the whole globe would be so likewise, or a history of beasts; or a painting of all the aspects of the clouds. Everything is significant.

The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.

We seek our friend not sacredly, but with an adulterate passion which would appropriate him to ourselves.

Wherever we go, whatever we do, self is the sole subject we study and learn.

Nature: She pardons no mistakes. Her yea is yea, and her nay, nay.