Poetry interprets in two ways: it interprets by expressing, with magical felicity, the physiognomy and movements of the outward world; and it interprets by expressing, with inspired conviction, the ideas and laws of the inward world of man's moral and spiritual nature. In other words, poetry is interpretative both by having natural magic in it, and by having moral profundity.

Culture, the acquainting ourselves with the best that has been known and said in the world, and thus with the history of the human spirit.

All knowledge is interesting to a wise man, and the knowledge of nature is interesting to all men.

Truth sits upon the lips of dying men.

Bald as the bare mountain tops are bald, with a baldness full of grandeur.

The brave, impetuous heart yields everywhere to the subtle, contriving head.

Saw life steadily and saw it whole.