O Pioneers!

by Willa Cather

the great fact was the land itself, which seemed to overwhelm the little beginnings of human society that struggled in its sombre wastes.

The history of every country begins in the heart of a man or a woman.

I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do. I feel as if this tree knows everything I ever think of when I sit here. When I come back to it, I never have to remind it of anything; I begin just where I left off.”