The nearest approximation to an understanding of life is to feel it--to realize it to the full--to be a profound and inscrutable mystery.

Music is the fourth great material want, first food, then clothes, then shelter, then music.

The selection of a subject is to the author what choice of position is to the general,--once skilfully determined, the battle is already half won. Of a few writers it may be said that they are popular in despite of their subjects--but of a great many more it may be observed that they are popular because of them.

Every trait of beauty may be referred to some virtue, as to innocence, candor, generosity, modesty, or heroism. St. Pierre To cultivate the sense of the beautiful, is one of the most effectual ways of cultivating an appreciation of the divine goodness.

The greatest events of an age are its best thoughts. Thought finds its way into action.

The body of a sensualist is the coffin of a dead soul.

Honesty is not only "the first step toward greatness," - it is greatness itself.