There is a genius of a nation, which is not to be found in the numerical citizens, but which characterizes the society.

How cunningly nature hides every wrinkle of her inconceivable antiquity under roses and violets and morning dew!

Nature is no spendthrift, but takes the shortest way to her ends.

Nature is reckless of the individual. When she has points to carry, she carries them.

When a man says to me, "I have the intensest love of nature," at once I know that he has none.

Why should we fear to be crushed by savage elements, we who are made up of the same elements?

The finest poems of the world have been expedients to get bread.

The multitude of the sick shall not make us deny the existence of health.

Things have their laws as well as men, and things refuse to be trifled with.

We cannot render benefits to those from whom we receive them, or only seldom. But the benefits we receive must be rendered again line for line, deed for deed to somebody.