I would be virtuous for my own sake, though nobody were to know it; as I would be clean for my own sake, though nobody were to see me.

As many as are the difficulties which Virtue has to encounter in this world, her force is yet superior.

Nothing is more ridiculous than ridicule.

It is necessary a writing critic should understand how to write. And though every writer is not bound to show himself in the capacity of critic, every writing critic is bound to show himself capable of being a writer; for if he be apparently impotent in this latter kind, he is to be denied all title or character in the other.

True courage is cool and calm. The bravest of men have the least of a brutal, bullying insolence, and in the very time of danger are found the most serene and free.

The most natural beauty in the world is honesty and moral truth. For all beauty is truth.

In nature, all is managed for the best with perfect frugality and just reserve, profuse to none, but bountiful to all; never employing on one thing more than enough, but with exact economy retrenching the superfluous, and adding force to what is principal in everything.