Quotes from Amos Bronson Alcott

While one finds company in himself and his pursuits, he cannot feel old, no matter what his years may be.

The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-trust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciples.

One's life should be sufficiently interesting to furnish entertainment in the record.

A friendship formed in childhood, in youth,--by happy accident at any stage of rising manhood,--becomes the genius that rules the rest of life.

Whatsoever stirs the stagnant currents, setting these flowing in wholesome directions, promotes brisk spirits and productive thinking. The less of routine, the more of life.

Success is sweet and sweeter if long delayed and gotten through many struggles and defeats.

A birthday is a good time to begin a new; throwing away the old habits, as you would old clothes, and never putting them again.

Genius has oftenest been the pariah of his time, the unhoused god whom none cared for, unnamed till they whom he first promoted, enriched and honored, found it honorable to own their benefactor.

Who loves a garden, still his Eden keeps, Perennial pleasures plants, and wholesome harvests reaps.

Every noble life becomes a revelation of the spirit which the love and joy of mankind cannot let perish from remembrance.

Love is the key to felicity, nor is there a heaven to any who love not. We enter Paradise through its gates only.

Traveling is no fool's errand to him who carries his eyes and itinerary along with him.

Travel makes all men countrymen, makes people noblemen and kings, every man tasting of liberty and dominion.

The traveled mind is the catholic mind educated from exclusiveness and egotism.

Our ideals are our better selves.

Every dogma embodies some shade of truth to give it seeming currency.

There are truths that shield themselves behind veils, and are best spoken by implication. Even the sun veils himself in his own rays to blind the gaze of the too curious starer.

First find the man in yourself if you will inspire manliness in others.

Books are the most mannerly of companions, accessible at all times, in all moods, frankly declaring the author's mind, without offense.

Action and blood now get the game. Disdain treads on the peaceful name.

Prudence is the footprint of Wisdom.

Time is one's best friend, teaching best of all the wisdom of silence.

Who speaks to the instincts speaks to the deepest in mankind, and finds the readiest response.

Wherever comes man comes tragedy and comedy also.