There is a perennial nobleness, and even sacredness, in work. Were he never so benighted, forgetful of his high calling, there is always hope in a man that actually and earnestly works: in idleness alone there is perpetual despair.

Cash-payment never was, or could except for a few years be, the union-bond of man to man. Cash never yet paid one man fully his deserts to another; nor could it, nor can it, now or henceforth to the end of the world.

Metaphysics is the attempt of the mind to rise above the mind.

I should say sincerity, a deep, great, genuine sincerity, is the first characteristic of all men in any way heroic.

The mystical bond of brotherhood makes all men brothers.

The Present is the living sum-total of the whole Past.

I came hither [Craigenputtoch] solely with the design to simplify my way of life and to secure the independence through which I could be enabled to remain true to myself.