Genius cannot escape the taint of its time more than a child the influence of its begetting.

Fame nowadays is little else but notoriety.

Scandals are like dandelion seeds--they are arrow-headed, and stick where they fall, and bring forth and multiply fourfold.

Music is not a science any more than poetry is. It is a sublime instinct, like genius of all kinds.

nothing is so pleasant ... as to display your worldly wisdom in epigram and dissertation, but it is a trifle tedious to hear another person display theirs.

There is a chord in every heart that has a sigh in it if touched aright.

Christianity has been cruel in much to the human race. It has quenched much of the sweet joy and gladness of life; it has caused the natural passions and affections of it to be held as sins.