The slight reproach to which the virtue of patriotism is commonly liable, the noble are most likely to incur.
I would remind my countrymen that they are to be men first, and Americans only at a late and convenient hour.
Certainly there is not the fight recorded in Concord history, at least, if in the history of America, that will bear a moment’s comparison with this, whether for the numbers engaged in it, or for the patriotism and heroism displayed.
Remember that you need not eat unless you are hungry.
Yet, for my part, I was never unusually squeamish; I could sometimes eat a fried rat with a good relish, if it were necessary.
There is a difference between eating and drinking for strength and from mere gluttony.
The violence of love is as much to be dreaded as that of hate.
Many a poor sore-eyed student that I have heard of would grow faster, both intellectually and physically, if, instead of sitting up so very late, he honestly slumbered a fool’s allowance.
One may be drunk with love without being any nearer to finding his mate.
Summer passes into autumn in some unimaginable point of time, like the turning of a leaf.
People seldom hit what they do not aim at.
I am a majority of one.
A man who has to go to the village to get the news hasn’t heard from himself in a long time.
Our molting season, like that of the fouls, must be a crisis in our lives.
I have seen more men than usual, lately; and, well as I was acquainted with one, I am surprised to find what vulgar fellows they are.
The finest manners in the world are awkwardness and fatuity when contrasted with a finer intelligence. They appear but as the fashions of past days, – mere courtliness, knee-buckles and small- clothes, out of date.
I would fain keep sober always; and there are infinite degrees of drunkenness.
I have found all things thus far, persons and inanimate matter, elements and seasons, strangely adapted to my resources.
Do not engage to find things as you think they are.
I never yet knew the sun to be knocked down and rolled through a mud-puddle; he comes out honor-bright from behind every storm. Let us then take sides with the sun, seeing we have so much leisure.