...nothing at all rides on the life or death of the individual.

I believe that when death closes our eyes we shall awaken to a light, of which our sunlight is but the shadow.

The general history of art and literature shows that the highest achievements of the human mind are, as a rule, not favourably received at first.

Music is the answer to the mystery of life. The most profound of all the arts, It expresses the deepest thoughts of life.

Rudeness is better than any argument; it totally eclipses intellect.

Imagination is strong in a man when that particular function of the brain which enables him to observe is roused to activity without any necessary excitement of the sense. Accordingly, we find that imagination is active just in proportion as our sense are not excited by external objects. A long period of solitude, whether in prison or in a sick room; quiet, twilight, darkness-these are the things that promote its activity; and under their influence it comes into play of itself.

It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.