I laugh at my heart, and do its will

Truth is a torch, but a terrific one; therefore we all try to reach it with closed eyes, lest we should be scorched.

You must be either the servant or the master, the hammer or the anvil.

A genuine work of art usually displeases at first sight, as it suggests a deficiency in the spectator.

The style of writing required in the great world is distinguished by a free and daring grace, a careless security, a fine and sharp polish, a delicate and perfect taste; while that fitted for the people is characterized by a vigorous natural fulness, a profound depth of feeling, and an engaging naivete.

Difficulties increase the nearer we get to the goal.

He who would reproach an author for obscurity should look into his own mind to see whether it is quite clear there. In the dusk the plainest writing is illegible.