The critic is beneath the maker, but is his needed friend. The critic is not a base caviler, but the younger brother of genius. Next to invention is the power of interpreting invention; next to beauty the power of appreciating beauty. And of making others appreciate it.

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

There is no wholly masculine man, no purely feminine woman.

In order that she may be able to give her hand with dignity, she must be able to stand alone.

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

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

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.