There is no despair so absolute as that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow, when we have not yet known what it is to have suffered and be healed, to have despaired and have recovered hope.

Those old stories of visions and dreams guiding men have their truth; we are saved by making the future present to ourselves.

Iteration, like friction, is likely to generate heat instead of progress.

I always think the flowers can see us, and know what we are thinking about.

It is always chilling, in friendly intercourse, to say you have no opinion to give.

Power of generalizing gives men so much the superiority in mistake over the dumb animals.

I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music.