We travel to learn; and I have never been in any country where they did not do something better than we do it, think some thoughts better than we think, catch some inspiration from heights above our own.
Why can a man not act himself, be himself, and think for himself? It seems to me that naturalness alone is power; that a borrowed word is weaker than our own weakness, however small we may be.
People have to learn sometimes not only how much the heart, but how much the head, can bear.
Besides learning to see, there is another art to be learned – not to see what is not.
The greatest object in educating is to give a right habit of study.
Do not look at stars as bright spots only. Try to take in the vastness of the universe.
I am always the better for open-air breathing, and was certainly meant for the wandering life of the Indian.
To read a book, to think it over, and to write out notes is a useful exercise; a book which will not repay some hard thought is not worth publishing.
Every formula which expresses a law of nature is a hymn of praise to God.
The eye that directs a needle in the delicate meshes of embroidery will equally well bisect a star with the spiderweb of the micrometer.
We especially need imagination in science. Question everything.
I was a little doubtful about the propriety of going to the Mammoth Cave without a gentleman escort, but if two ladies travel alone they must have the courage of men.
I am just learning to notice the different colors of the stars, and already begin to have a new enjoyment.
I would as soon put a girl alone into a closet to meditate as give her only the society of her needle.
It is sad to see a woman sacrificing the ties of the affections even to do good.
Small aids to individuals, large aid to masses.
I was born, for instance, incapable of appreciating music.
The Southern character is opposed to haste. Safety is of more worth than speed, and there is no hurry.
The world of learning is so broad, and the human soul is so limited in power!
I made observations for three hours last night, and am almost ill today from fatigue; still I have worked all day, trying to reduce the places, and mean to work hard again tonight.