“It is a good idea sometimes to think of the importance and dignity of our every-day duties. It keeps them from being so tiresome; besides, others are apt take us at our own valuation.”

It does not so much matter what happens. It is what one does when it happens that really counts.

Everything from the little house was in the wagon, except the beds and tables and chairs. They did not need to take these, because Pa could always make new ones.

We had no choice. Sadness was a dangerous as panthers and bears. the wilderness needs your whole attention.

We who live in quiet places have the opportunity to become acquainted with ourselves, to think our own thoughts and live our own lives in a way that is not possible for those keeping up with the crowd.

No rich man can walk through the eye of a needle.

We’d never get anything fixed to suit us if we waited for things to suit us before we started.

The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.

Did you ever think how a bit of land shows the character of the owner?

Let your joy scream across the pain.

You venture into the unknown land because that is where your heart will take you. In the end, it is not what you want to do, it is something you have to do.

Life begins at eighty.

A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other one thing.

The sweetness of life lies in usefulness, like honey deep in the heart of a clover bloom.

In order to thoroughly enjoy anything, one must feel the absence of it at times.

Let’s be cheerful! We have no more right to steal the brightness out of the day for our own family than we have to steal the purse of a stranger.

It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest, and living close to nature.

I have always reckoned the dignity of the republic of first importance and preferable to life.

Relationships based on obligation lack dignity.

When you accept and appreciate yourself you can handle any situation with class, dignity and respect.

The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being and dignity.

The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.

Yet what greater defeat could we suffer than to come to resemble the forces we oppose in their disrespect for human dignity?

Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them.

Racial pride and self-dignity were emphasized in my family and community.