"

I have spent many an hour, when I was younger, floating over its surface as the zephyr willed, having paddled my boat to the middle, and lying on my b...more

"

I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.

"

Silence is the universal refuge, the sequel to all dull discourses and all foolish acts, a balm to our every chagrin, as welcome after satiety as afte...more

"

I have an immense appetite for solitude, like an infant for sleep, and if I don't get enough for this year, I shall cry all the next.

"

I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.

"

The doctors are all agreed that I am suffering from want of society. Was never a case like it. First, I did not know that I was suffering at all. Seco...more

"

I have spent many an hour, when I was younger, floating over its surface as the zephyr willed, having paddled my boat to the middle, and lying on my b...more

"

A man thinking or working will always be alone, let him be where he will.

"

But, wherever a man goes, men will pursue and paw him with their dirty institutions, and, if they can, constrain him to belong to their desperate odd-...more

"

Society is commonly too cheap. We meet at very short intervals, not having had time to acquire any new value for each other.We meet at meals three tim...more

"

I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be al...more