America, when it became known to Europeans, was, as it had long been, a scene of wide-spread revolution.

Fort Leavenworth is in fact no fort, being without defensive works, except two block-houses.

Not a breath of air stirred over the free and open prairie; the clouds were like light piles of cotton; and where the blue sky was visible, it wore a hazy and languid aspect.

Versailles was a gulf into which the labor of France poured its earnings; and it was never full.

It was a rich and gorgeous sunset - an American sunset; and the ruddy glow of the sky was reflected from some extensive pools of water among the shadowy copses in the meadow below.

Spanish civilization crushed the Indian. English civilization scorned and neglected him. French civilization embraced and cherished him.

Four men are missing; R., Sorel and two emigrants. They set out this morning after buffalo, and have not yet made their appearance; whether killed or lost, we cannot tell.

America was still a land of wonder. The ancient spell still hung unbroken over the wild, vast world of mystery beyond the sea,-a land of romance, adventure, and gold.

We were in all four men with eight animals; for besides the spare horses led by Shaw and myself, an additional mule was driven along with us as a reserve in case of accident.

Humanity, morality, decency, might be forgotten, but codfish must still be had for the use of the faithful in Lent and on fast days.

The most momentous and far-reaching question ever brought to issue on this continent was: Shall France remain here, or shall she not?

Civilization is vastly overrated.

The truth is that most writers are needy.

Racism doesn't have to fit our stereotypes for what it is in order for it to hurt - but it also means that tools for dismantling the system don't have it fit our stereotype either.

This final sprint of Breaking Bad is like nothing I've ever seen. It's TV as a crescendo, as a magnet, as a wave. These episodes aren't ending so much as they're gasping for breath.

Right now, I would like complete silence when I'm talking.

When everything seems to fall apart..that's when everything new you prayed for has room to enter your life.

There are no new fundamentals.

The Congress of Vienna does not walk, but it dances.

No one doing big business can avoid some contact with government agencies, regulators, and policy makers.

I'm so pleased to see us talking gender specific messages that are focusing on men on a way I think it needs to be focused in on and I think it's important.