The use of literature is to afford us a platform whence we may command a view of our present life, a purchase by which we may move it....we see literature best from the midst of wild nature, or from the din of affairs, or from a high religion. The field cannot be well seen from within the field.

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world.

Many of the historical proverbs have a doubtful paternity.

A believer, a mind whose faith is consciousness, is never disturbed because other persons do not yet see the fact which he sees.

If a teacher have any opinion which he wishes to conceal, his pupils will become as fully indoctrinated into that as into any which he publishes.

A Judge may be a farmer; but he is not to geld his own pigs.

Perhaps it is the lowest of the qualities of an orator, but it is, on so many occasions, of chief importance,--a certain robust and radiant physical health; or--shall I say?--great volumes of animal heat.