“It is usually the imagination that is wounded first, rather than the heart; it being much more sensitive.”

“It often happens that a human is more humanely related to a cat or dog than to any human being.”

“Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.”

“I thus found that the student who wishes for a shelter can obtain one for a lifetime at an expense not greater than the rent which he now pays annually. If I seem to boast more than is becoming, my excuse is that I brag for humanity rather than for myself; and my shortcomings and inconsistencies do not affect the truth of my statement.”

“I am no more lonely than a single mullein or dandelion in a pasture, or abean leaf, or sorrel, or a horse-fly, or a bumblebee. I am no more lonelythan the Mill Brook, or a weathercock, or the north star, or the southwind, or an April shower, or a January thaw, or the first spider in a newhouse.”

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”

“This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used.”