"The simple life which blandly ignores all care and conflict, soon becomes flabby and invertebrate, sentimental and gelatinous."

Henry Van Dyke Politics See all quotes by Henry Van Dyke →

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“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.”

“Every mountain is, rightly considered, an invitation to climb.”

“The mountain is voiceless and imperturbable; and its very loftiness and serenity sometimes make us the more lonely.”

“For real company and friendship, there is nothing outside of the animal kingdom that is comparable to a river.”

“Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.”

“Self is the only prison that can ever bind the soul.”

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