Man is an imitative creature.

Culture, far from giving us freedom, only develops, as it advances, new necessities; the fetters of the physical close more tightly around us, so that the fear of loss quenches even the ardent impulse toward improvement, and the maxims of passive obedience are held to be the highest wisdom of life.

Many a smiling face hides a mourning heart; but grief alone teaches us what we are.

Life is earnest, art is gay.

Dare to err and to dream. Deep meaning often lies in childish plays.

To live is to dream, and to dream pleasantly is to be wise.

No, no! I do nature injustice. She gave us inventive faculty, and set us naked, and helpless on the shore of this great ocean,--the world; swim those who can, the heavy may go to the bottom.