As unity demanded for its expression what at first might have seemed its opposite--variety; so repose demands for its expression the implied capability of its opposite--energy. It is the most unfailing test of beauty; nothing can be ignoble that possesses it, nothing right that has it not.

Great art is precisely that which never was, nor will be taught, it is preeminently and finally the expression of the spirits of great men.

You can only possess beauty through understanding it.

Variety is a positive requisite even in the character of our food.

Nearly all our powerful men in this age of the world are unbelievers; the best of them in doubt and misery; the worst in reckless defiance; the plurality, in plodding hesitation, doing, as well as they can, what practical work lies ready to their hands.

The common practice of keeping up appearances with society is a mere selfish struggle of the vain with the vain.

To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.