How much finer things are in composition than alone.

Nature, as we know her, is no saint.... She comes eating and drinking and sinning.

The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature. Every day, the sun; and after sunset, night and her stars. Ever the winds blow; ever the grass grows.

Thefts never enrich; alms never impoverish; murder will speak out of stone walls. The least admixture of a lie-for example, the taint of vanity, the least attempt to make a good impression, a favorable appearance-will instantly vitiate the effect.

You have first an instinct, then an opinion, then a knowledge, as the plant has root, bud, and fruit.

The religions are obsolete when the reforms do not proceed from them.

Respect the child. Be not too much his parent. Trespass not on his solitude.