A book should contain pure discoveries, glimpses of terra firma, though by shipwrecked mariners, and not the art of navigation by those who have never been out of sight of land.

Most think that they are above being supported by the town; but it oftener happens that they are not above supporting themselves by dishonest means, which would be more disreputable.

Solitude is not measured by the miles of space that intervene between a man and his fellows.

The best poets, after all, exhibit only a tame and civil side of nature. They have not seen the west side of any mountain.

A thoroughbred business man cannot enter heartily upon the business of life without first looking into his accounts.

Genius is not a retainer to any emperor.

A modern author would have died in infancy in a ruder age.