Composition is a process of combination, in which thought puts together complementary truths, and talent fuses into harmony the most contrary qualities of style. So that there is no composition without effort, without pain even, as in all bringing forth. The reward is the giving birth to something living--something, that is to say, which, by a kind of magic, makes a living unity out of such opposed attributes as orderliness and spontaneity, thought and imagination, solidity and charm.

Analysis kills spontaneity.

Tell me what you feel in your room when the full moon is shining in upon you and your lamp is dying out, and I will tell you how old you are, and I shall know if you are happy.

The mind must have for ballast the clear conception of duty, if it is not to fluctuate between levity and despair.

Time wasted is a theft from God.

True humility is contentment.

An error is the more dangerous in proportion to the degree of truth which it contains.