The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature. Every day, the sun; and after sunset, night and her stars. Ever the winds blow; ever the grass grows.

More from Oration, August 31, 1837

• A chief event of life is the day in which we have encountered a mind that startled us.
• A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud.
• Artists must be sacrificed to their art. Like bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give.
• He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.
• If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon or make a better mousetrap than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.
• Imagination is not a talent of some men but is the health of every man.