184 Quotes by Amos Bronson Alcott

Devotees of grammatical studies have not been distinguished for any very remarkable felicities of expression

Our ideals are our better selves.

The history of books shows the humblest origin of some of the most valued, wrought as these were out of obscure materials by persons whose names thereafter became illustrious. The thumbed volumes, now so precious to thousands, were compiled from personal experiences and owe their interest to touches of inspiration of which the writer was less author than amanuensis, himself the voiced word of life for all times.

Civilization degrades the many to exalt the few.

The less routine the more life.

Good discourse sinks differences and seeks agreements.

The head best leaves to the heart what the heart alone divines.

A good book is fruitful of other books; it perpetuates its fame from age to age, and makes eras in the lives of its readers.

My favorite books have a personality and complexion as distinctly drawn as if the author's portrait were framed into the paragraphs and smiled upon me as I read his illustrated pages.