John Burroughs

Science has done more for the development of western civilization in one hundred years than Christianity did in eighteen hundred years.

Few persons realize how much of their happiness, such as it is, is dependent upon their work, upon the fact that they are kept busy and not left to feed upon themselves.

A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.

The spirit of man can endure only so much and when it is broken only a miracle can mend it. --from The Moon Men (1925)

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.

If we take science as our sole guide, if we accept and hold fast that alone which is verifiable, the old theology must go.

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.

Now is the time of the illuminated woods ... when every leaf glows like a tiny lamp.