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.

It was not meant that the soul should cultivate the earth, but that the earth should educate and maintain the soul.

All greatness affects different minds, each in its own particular kind, and the variations of testimony mark the truth of feeling.

Be what you would seem to be - or, if you'd like it put more simply - a house is no home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.

Only the dreamer shall understand realities, though in truth his dreaming must be not out of proportion to his waking.

Harmony exists no less in difference than in likeness, if only the same key-note govern both parts.

Tragedy is always a mistake; and the loneliness of the deepest thinker, the widest lover, ceases to be pathetic to us so soon as the sun is high enough above the mountains.