The only sin that we never forgive in each other is a difference in opinion.

Eloquence shows the power and possibility of man. There is one of whom we took no note, but on a certain occasion it appears that he has a secret virtue never suspected - that he can paint what has occurred and what must occur, with such clearness to a company, as if they saw it done before their eyes. By leading their thought he leads their will, and can make them do gladly what an hour ago they would not believe that they could be led to do at all.

Heroism feels and never reasons, and therefore is always right.

General ideas are essences. They are our gods: they round and ennoble the most partial and sordid way of living.

In the woods, too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period soever of life, is always a child. In the woods is perpetual youth. Within these plantations of God a decorum and sanctity reign, a perennial festival is dressed, and the guest sees not how he should tire of them in a thousand years. In the woods we return to reason and faith.

Solitude is naught and society is naught. Alternate them and the good of each is seen.

It is the quality of the moment, not the number of days, or events, or of actors, that imports.