In old times men used their powers of painting to show the objects of faith, in later times they use the objects of faith to show their powers of painting.

The repose necessary to all beauty is repose, not of inanition, nor of luxury, nor of irresolution, but the repose of magnificent energy and being; in action, the calmness of trust and determination; in rest, the consciousness of duty accomplished and of victory won; and this repose and this felicity can take place as well in the midst of trial and tempest, as beside the waters of comfort.

That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest number of noble and happy human beings.

The Divine mind is as visible in its full energy of operation on every lowly bank and mouldering stone as in the lifting of the pillars of heaven, and settling the foundation of the earth.

Science lives only in quiet places, and with odd people, mostly poor.

What do we, as a nation, care about books? How much do you think we spend altogether on our libraries, public or private, as compared with what we spend on our horses?

It is far better to give work that is above a person, than to educate the person to be above their work.