One open way of speaking introduces another open way of speaking, and draws out discoveries, like wine and love.

An able reader often discovers in other people's writings perfections beyond those that the author put in or perceived, and lends them richer meanings and aspects.

Once conform, once do what others do because they do it, and a kind of lethargy steals over all the finer senses of the soul.

I want death to find me planting my cabbages, but careless of death, and still more of my unfinished garden.

Eloquence is an engine invented to manage and wield at will the fierce democracy, and, like medicine to the sick, is only employed in the paroxysms of a disordered state.

It should be noted that children at play are not playing about; their games should be seen as their most serious-minded activity.

There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees.