We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them.

He that shrinks from the grave with too great a dread, has an invisible fear behind him pushing him into it.

He presents me with what is always an acceptable gift who brings me news of a great thought before unknown. He enriches me without impoverishing himself. The judicious quoter, too, helps on what is much needed in the world, a freer circulation of good thoughts, pure feelings, and pleasant fancies.

A genuine passion is like a mountain stream; it admits of no impediment; it cannot go backward; it must go forward.

Enthusiasm is the inspiration of everything great.

It is our relation to circumstances that determines their influence upon us.

The lively and mercurial are as open books, with the leaves turned down at the notable passages. Their souls sit at the windows of their eyes, seeing and to be seen.