A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind.

The improved means to the unimproved end.

We have built for this world a family mansion, and the next a family tomb. The best works of art are the expression of man's struggle to free himself from this condition, but the effect of our art is merely to make this low state comfortable and that higher state to be forgotten.

Our houses are such unwieldy property that we are often imprisoned rather than housed by them.

My themes will not be far-fetched. I will tell of homely every-day phenomena and adventures.

What fire could ever equal the sunshine of a winter's day?

All health and success does me good, however far off and withdrawn it may appear; all disease and failure helps to make me sad anddoes me evil, however much sympathy it may have with me or I with it.