But whether I become a believer or remain an agnostic, my belief or disbelief must derive its source from within, not from without. I, myself, must create its symbols. The transcendental is that which produces its own form. I will never discover its secret if I do not find it in my own heart; if I do not possess it already I shall never be able to acquire it.

What is termed Sin is an essential element of progress. Without it the world would stagnate, or grow old, or become colourless.

I forget what killed it. I think it was her proposing to sacrifice the whole world for me. That is always a dreadful moment. It fills one with the terror of eternity.

I can sympathize with everything, except suffering.

There is no man who is not, at each moment, what he has been and what he will be.

The vilest deeds like poison weeds Bloom well in prison air; It is only what is good in man That wastes and withers there.

Mr. Henry James writes fiction as if it were a painful duty.