Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst...They are for nothing but to inspire.

Let us not look east and west for materials of conversation, but rest in presence and unity. A just feeling will fast enough supply fuel for discourse, if speaking be more grateful than silence. When people come to see us, we foolishly prattle, lest we be inhospitable. But things said for conversation are chalk eggs. Don't say things. What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.

There are many things of which a wise man might wish to be ignorant

Writing should be the settlement of dew on the leaf.

Two may talk and one may hear, but three cannot take part in a conversation of the most sincere and searching sort.

Instead of making Christianity a vehicle of truth, you make truth only a horse for Christianity.

There is an optical illusion about every person we meet.