We early arrive at the great discovery that there is one mind common to all individual men: that what is individual is less than what is universalthat error, vice and disease have their seat in the superficial or individual nature.

Any relation to the land, the habit of tilling it, or mining it, or even hunting on it, generates the feeling of patriotism. He who keeps shop on it, or he who merely uses it as a support to his desk and ledger, or to his manufactory, values it less.

When private men shall act with original views, the lustre will be transferred from the actions of kings to those of gentlemen.

Rings and other jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself.

The Yankee is one who, if he once gets his teeth set on a thing, all creation can't make him let go.

All the devils respect virtue.

With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall.