Will minus intellect constitutes vulgarity.

Ordinary people merely think how they shall 'spend' their time; a man of talent tries to 'use' it.

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.

Newspapers are the second hand of history. This hand, however, is usually not only of inferior metal to the other hands, it also seldom works properly.

If there is anything in the world that can really be called a man's property, it is surely that which is the result of his mental activity.

A word too much always defeats its purpose.

A sense of humour is the only divine quality of man