Headwinds are sore vexations and the more passengers the sorer.

Everything has its price - and if that price is not paid, not that thing but something else is obtained... it is impossible to get anything without this price.

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.

Why should all virtue work in one and the same way? Why should all give dollars? It is very inconvenient to us country folk, and we do not think any good will come of it. We have not dollars; merchants have; let them give them. Farmers will give corn; poets will sing; women will sew; laborers will lend a hand; the children will bring flowers.

A rush of thoughts is the only conceivable prosperity that can come to us.

Society is always taken by surprise at any new example of common sense.

I wish to write such rhymes as shall not suggest a restraint, but contrariwise the wildest freedom.