The mortality of all inanimate things is terrible to me, but that of books most of all.

Primitive societies without religion have never been found.

The mortality of all inanimate things is terrible to me, but that of books most of all.

Wisdom and goodness are twin-born, one heart must hold both sisters, never seen apart.

It's a curious thing, this thing we call civilization...we think it is an affair of epochs, and nations. It's really an affair of individuals. One brother will be civilized and the other a barbarian...All civilization comes through literature now, especially in our country. A Greek got his civilization by talking and looking, and in some measure a Parisian may still do it. But we, who live remote from history and monuments, we must read or we must barbarise.

Inequality is as dear to the American heart as liberty itself.

I know, indeed, of nothing more subtly satisfying and cheering than a knowledge of the real good will and appreciation of others. Such happiness does not come with money, nor does it flow from fine physical state. It cannot be brought. But it is the keenest joy, after all; and the toiler's truest and best reward.