Let ideas establish their legitimate sway again in society, let life be fair and poetic, and the scholars will gladly be lovers, citizens, and philanthropists.

The philanthropists inquire whether Transcendentalism does not mean sloth: they had as lief hear that their friend is dead, as that he is a Transcendentalist; for then is he paralyzed, and can never do anything for humanity.

Inaction is cowardice, but there can be no scholar without the heroic mind.

Men admire the man who can organize their wishes and thoughts in stone and wood and steel and brass.

Death comes to all, but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold.

A little integrity is better than any career.

The secret is the answer to all that has been, all that is, and all that will ever be.