What I mean by the Muse is that unimpeded clearness of the intuitive powers, which a perfectly truthful adherence to every admonition of the higher instincts would bring to a finely organized human being. It may appear as prophesy or as poesy...should these faculties have free play, I believe they will open up new, deeper and purer sources of joyous inspiration than have as yet refreshed the earth.

Truth is the nursing mother of genius.

The life of the soul is incalculable.

Two persons love in one another the future good which they aid one another to unfold.

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.

A man who means to think and write a great deal must, after six and twenty, learn to read with his fingers.

You see how wide the gulf that separates me from the Christian church.