Amos Bronson Alcott

Thought means life, since those who do not think so do not live in any high or real sense. Thinking makes the man. ”

We climb to heaven most often on the ruins of our cherished plans, finding our failures were successes. ”

That is a good book which is opened with expectation, and closed with delight and profit. ”

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. ”

Our notion of the perfect society embraces the family as its center and ornament, and this paradise is not secure until children appear to animate and complete the picture. ”

To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age. ”