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.

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

The especial genius of women I believe to be electrical in movement, intuitive in function, spiritual in tendency.

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

Nature provides exceptions to every rule.

Certainly I do not wish that instead of these masters I had read baby books, written down to children, and with such ignorant dullness that they blunt the sense and corrupt the tastes of the still plastic human being. But I do wish that I had read no books at all till later - that I had lived with toys, and played in the open air. Children should not cull the fruits of reflection and observation early, but expand in the sun, and let thoughts come to them. They should not through books antedate their actual experiences.

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