Amos Bronson Alcott

Education is that process by which thought is opened out of the soul, and, associated with outward . . . things, is reflected back upon itself, and thus made conscious of its reality and shape. It is Self-Realization. As a means, therefore, of educating the soul out of itself, and mirroring forth its ideas, the external world offers the materials. This is the dim glass in which the senses are first called to display the soul, until, aided by the keener state of imagination . . . it separates those outward types of itself from their sensual connection, in its own bright mirror recognizes again itself, as a distinctive object in space and time, but out of it in existence, and painting itself upon these, as emblems of its inner and super-sensual life which no outward thing can fully portray. . . . A language is to be instituted between [the child__] spirit and the surrounding scene of things in which he dwells. . . . He who is seeking to know himself, should be ever seeking himself in external things, and by so doing will he be best able to find, and explore his inmost light.

Action and blood now get the game. Disdain treads on the peaceful name.

Stay is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary.

Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.

Where there is a mother in the home, matters go well.

First find the man in yourself if you will inspire manliness in others.

Success is sweet and sweeter if long delayed and gotten through many struggles and defeats.

The less routine the more life.

Our friends interpret the world and ourselves to us, if we take them tenderly and truly.

Observation more than books and experience more than persons, are the prime educators.

While one finds company in himself and his pursuits, he cannot feel old, no matter what his years may be.

To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age.

Strengthen me by sympathizing with my strength, not my weakness.

The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-trust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciples.

A true teacher defends his students against his own personal influences.

Who speaks to the instincts speaks to the deepest in mankind, and finds the readiest response.

We climb to heaven most often on the ruins of our cherished plans, finding our failures were successes.

Our dreams drench us in sense, and sense steeps us again in dreams.