Why should we grope among the dry bones of the past, or put the living generation into masquerade out of its faded wardrobe?

Solitary converse with nature; for thence are ejaculated sweet and dreadful words never uttered in libraries. Ah! the spring days, the summer dawns, and October woods!

Wit makes its own welcome, and levels all distinctions.

It is said that when manners are licentious, a revolution is always near: the virtue of woman being the main girth and bandage ofsociety; because a man will not lay up an estate for children any longer than whilst he believes them to be his own.

And, in fine, the ancient precept, "Know thyself," and the modern precept, "Study nature," become at last one maxim.

He is great who confers the most benefits.

Men do what is called a good action, as some piece of courage or charity, much as they would pay a fine in expiation of daily non-appearance on parade. Their works are done as an apology or extenuation of their living in the world. I do not wish to expiate, but to live. My life is not an apology, but a life.