The gap between ideals and actualities, between dreams and achievements, the gap that can spur strong men to increased exertions, ...but can break the spirit of others--this gap is the most conspicuous, continuous land mark in American history. It is conspicuous and continuous not because Americans achieve little, but because they dream grandly. The gap is a standing reproach to Americans; but it marks them off as a special and singularly admirable community among the world's peoples.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The great fact was the land itself, which seemed to overwhelm the little beginnings of human society that struggled in its sombre ...wastes. It was from facing this vast hardness that the boy's mouth had become so bitter; because he felt that men were too weak to make any mark here, that the land wanted to be let alone, to preserve its own fierce strength, its peculiar, savage kind of beauty, its uninterrupted mournfulness.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
If George Washington were alive today, what a shining mark he would be for the whole camorra of uplifters, forward-lookers and pro...fessional patriots! He was the Rockefeller of his time, a promoter of stock companies, a land-grabber, an exploiter of mines and timber.... He was not pious. He drank whiskey whenever he felt chilly, and kept a jug of it handy. He knew far more profanity than Scripture, and used and enjoyed it more. He had no belief in the infallible wisdom of the common people, but regarded them as inflammatory dolts and tried to save the Republic from them.... He took no interest in the private morals of his neighbors. Inhabiting these States today, George would be ineligible for any office of honor or profit.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Before the land rose out of the ocean, and became dry land, chaos reigned; and between high and low water mark, where she is parti...ally disrobed and rising, a sort of chaos reigns still, which only anomalous creatures can inhabit.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, "Open your hand to the poor and needy neigh...bor in your land."LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
the broad cloud-driving moon in the clear sky Lifts o'er the firs her shining shield,... And in her tranquil light Sleep falls on forest and field. See! sleep hath fallen: the trees are asleep: The night is come. The land is wrapt in sleep.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Waldo Lydecker: Laura considered me the wisest, the wittiest, the most interesting man she'd ever met. I was in complete accord wi...th her on that point.... She thought me also the kindest, the gentlest, the most sympathetic man in the world. Detective Mark McPherson: Did you agree with her there, too? Waldo Lydecker: McPherson, you won't understand this, but I've tried to become the kindest, gentlest, the most sympathetic man in the world. Detective Mark McPherson: Have any luck? Waldo Lydecker: Let me put it this way: I shall be sincerely sorry to see my neighbor's children devoured by wolves.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »