I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.

The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way.

I stand in awe of my body.

My friend is one… who take me for what I am.

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.

Heroes are often the most ordinary of men.