Art can only be truly art by presenting an adequate outward symbol of some fact in the interior life.

Let no one dare to call another mad who is not himself willing to rank in the same class for every perversion and fault of judgment. Let no one dare aid in punishing another as criminal who is not willing to suffer the penalty due to his own offenses.

It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and fresh currents of life must call into life fresh thoughts along the shore.

Reverence the highest, have patience with the lowest. Let this day's performance of the meanest duty be thy religion. Are the stars too distant, pick up the pebble that lies at thy feet, and from it learn the all.

Next to invention is the power of interpreting invention; next to beauty the power of appreciating beauty.

This is the method of genius, to ripen fruit for the crowd by those rays of whose heat they complain.

Drudgery is as necessary to call out the treasures of the mind, as harrowing and planting those of the earth.