546 Quotes by James Russell Lowell

The right of individual property is no doubt the very corner-stone of civilization, as hitherto understood; but I am a little impatient of being told that property is entitled to exceptional consideration because it bears all the burdens of the state. It bears those, indeed, which can be most easily borne, but poverty pays with its person the chief expenses of war, pestilence, and famine.

Truth always has a bewitching savor of newness in it, and novelty at the first taste recalls that original sweetness to the tongue; but alas for him who would make the one a substitute for the other.

New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth; They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.

The pine is the mother of legends.

The mind can weave itself warmly in the cocoon of its own thoughts, and dwell a hermit anywhere.

Behind the dim unknown, Standeth God with the shadow, keeping watch above his own.

The heart forgets its sorrow and ache.

It is beginning to be doubtful whether Parliament and Congress sit in Westminster and Washington, or in the editorial rooms of the leading journals,--so thoroughly is everything debated before the authorized and responsible debaters get on their legs.

A stray hair, by its continued irritation, may give more annoyance than a smart blow.