Professional critics are incapable of distinguishing and appreciating either diamonds in the rough or gold in bars. They are traders, and in literature know only the coins that are current. Their critical lab has scales and weights, but neither crucible or touchstone.

Virtue is the health of the soul. It gives a flavor to the smallest leaves of life.

There are those to whom one must advise madness.

Only just the right quantum of wit should be put into a book; in conversation a little excess is allowable.

What can you possibly add to a mind that's full, especially one that's full of itself.

Genuine witticisms surprise those who say them as much as those who listen to them; they arise in us in spite of us, or, at least, without our participation,--like everything inspired.

Poetry is to be found nowhere unless we carry it within us.