We lose the peace of years when we hunt after the rapture of moments.

To mourn deeply for the death of another loosens from myself the petty desire for, and the animal adherence to life. We have gained the end of the philosopher, and view without shrinking the coffin and the pall.

The haughty woman who can stand alone, and requires no leaning-place in our hearts, loses the spell of her sex.

Earnestness is the best gift of mental power, and deficiency of heart is the cause of many men never becoming great.

Never get a reputation for a small perfection if you are trying for fame in a loftier area. The world can only judge by generals, and it sees that those who pay considerable attention to minutiae seldom have their minds occupied with great things.

Some have the temperament and tastes of genius, without its creative power. They feel acutely, but express tamely.

Genius has no brother.