John Burroughs was a genius.

"The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are."

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."

"If I were to name the three most precious resources of life, I should say books, friends, and nature..." 

"The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention."

"Joy in the universe, and keen curiosity about it all - that has been my religion."

And my resolution for 2012: "One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things."

(Photo via Library of Congress)