I fear chiefly lest my expression may not be extravagant enough, may not wander far enough beyond the narrow limit of my daily experience, so as to be adequate to the truth of which I have been convinced.
I only desire sincere relations with the worthiest of my acquaintance, that they may give me an opportunity once in a year to speak the truth.
Our thoughts are epochs in our lives; all else is but as a journal of the winds that blow while we are here.
The universe constantly and obediently answers to our conceptions; whether we travel fast or slow, the track is laid for us.
The volatile truth of our words should continually betray the inadequacy of the residual statement.
Whatever sentence will bear to be read twice, we may be sure was thought twice.
What fire could ever equal the sunshine of a winter’s day?
If we were left solely to the wordy wit of legislators in Congress for our guidance, uncorrected by the seasonal experience and the effectual complaints of the people, America would not long retain her rank among the nations.
The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way.
He who cuts down woods beyond a certain limit exterminates birds.
The rich man is always sold to the institution which makes him rich. Absolutely speaking, the more money, the less virtue.
The pleasures of the intellect are permanent, the pleasures of the heart are transitory.
In short, I am convinced, both by faith and experience, that to maintain one’s self on this earth is not a hardship but a pastime, if we will live simply and wisely; as the pursuits of the simpler nations are still the sports of the more artificial.
Must be out-of-doors enough to get experience of wholesome reality, as a ballast to thought and sentiment. Health requires this relaxation, this aimless life.
What is the singing of birds, or any natural sound, compared with the voice of one we love.
Politics is the gizzard of society, full of grit and gravel, and the two political parties are its opposite halves – sometimes split into quarters – which grind on each other. Not only individuals but states have thus a confirmed dyspepsia.
As a snow-drift is formed where there is a lull in the wind, so, one would say, where there is a lull of truth, an institution springs up.
For an impenetrable shield, stand inside yourself.
Is it not possible that an individual may be right and a government wrong? Are laws to be enforced simply because they were made? Or declared by any number of men to be good, if they are NOT good?
I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite – only a sense of existence. Well, anything for variety.