"The richest gifts we can bestow are..." - Quote by Henry David Thoreau

“I love man-kind, but I hate the institutions of the dead unkind. Men execute nothing so faithfully as the wills of the dead, to the last codicil and letter. They rule this world, and the living are but their executors. Such foundation too have our lectures and our sermons, commonly.”

“There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.”

“A name pronounced is the recognition of the individual to whom it belongs. He who can pronounce my name aright, he can call me, and is entitled to my love and service.”

“Rings and other jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself.”

“Dear Prince, I must leave you, but I will never forget you, and next spring I will bring you back two beautiful jewels in place of those you have given away. The ruby shall be redder than a red rose, and the sapphire shall be as blue as the great sea.”

“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.”

“The useful may be trusted to further itself, for many produce it and no one can do without it; but the beautiful must be specially encouraged, for few can present it, while yet all have need of it.”

“Money will buy you a bed, but not a good night's sleep, a house but not a home, a companion but not a friend.”

“Man is an idea, and a precious small idea once he turns his back on love.”