There is so much one would rather not believe until one has seen for oneself whether it is true.

For, so long as there are interesting books to read, it seems to me that neither I nor anyone else, for that matter, need be unhappy.

If dead things love, if earth and water distinguish friends from enemies, I should like to possess their love. I should like the green earth not to feel my step as a heavy burden. I should like her to forgive that she for my sake is wounded by plough and harrow, and willingly to open for my dead body.

... I see the green earth covered with the works of man or with the ruins of men’s work. The pyramids weigh down the earth, the tower of Babel has pierced the sky, the lovely temples and the gray castles have fallen into ruins. But of all those things which hands have built, what hasn’t fallen nor ever will fall? Dear friends, throw away the trowel and mortarboard! Throw your masons’ aprons over your heads and lie down to build dreams! What are temples of stone and clay to the soul? Learn to build eternal mansions of dreams and visions!

More die in flight than in battle.

Nothing on earth can make up for the loss of one who has loved you.

Never repeat a rumor before you have verified it. And if it is true, hold your tongue all the more.