All deep things are song. It seems somehow the very central essence of us, song; as if all the rest were but wrappages and hulls!

Manhood begins when we have in any way made truce with Necessity; begins even when we have surrendered to Necessity, as the most part only do; but begins joyfully and hopefully only when we have reconciled ourselves to Necessity; and thus, in reality, triumphed over it, and felt that in Necessity we are free.

The true university of these days is a collection of books.

He who cannot withal keep his mind to himself cannot practice any considerable thing whatsoever.

In a different time, in a different place, it is always some other side of our common human nature that has been developing itself. The actual truth is the sum of all these.

The great silent man! Looking round on the noisy inanity of the world,--words with little meaning, actions with little worth,--one loves to reflect on the great Empire of Silence.

Labor, wide as the earth, has its summit in heaven.