There is not a single outward mark of courtesy that does not have a deep moral basis.

Everything perfect in its kind has to transcend its own kind, it must become something different and incomparable. In some notes the nightingale is still a bird; then it rises above its class and seems to suggest to every winged creature what singing is truly like.

The work of art may have a moral effect, but to demand moral purpose from the artist is to make him ruin his work.

Beauty is everywhere a welcome guest.

The greatest difficulties lie where we are not looking for them.

Water its living strength first shows, When obstacles its course oppose.

Energy will do anything that can be done in the world; and no talents, no circumstances, no opportunities will make a two-legged animal a man without it.