We must not waste life in devising means. It is better to plan less and do more.
William Ellery ChanningThe mind, in proportion as it is cut off from free communication with nature, with revelation, with God, with itself, loses its life, just as the body droops when debarred from the air and the cheering light from heaven.
William Ellery ChanningOf all the discoveries which men need to make, the most important, at the present moment, is that of the self-forming power treasured up in themselves. They little suspect its extent, as little as the savage apprehends the energy which the mind is created to exert on the material world.
William Ellery ChanningEvery human being is intended to have a character of his own; to be what no others are, and to do what no other can do.
William Ellery ChanningLabor is discovered to be the grand conqueror, enriching and building up nations more surely than the proudest battles.
William Ellery ChanningTo do God's will as fast as it is made known to us, to inquire hourly -- I had almost said each moment -- what He requires of us, and to leave ourselves, our friends, and every interest at His control, with a cheerful trust that the path which He marks out leads to our perfection and to Himself, -- this is at once our duty and happiness; and why will we not walk in the plain, simple way?.
William Ellery Channing