Men are not philosophers, but are rather very foolish children, who, by reason of their partiality, see everything in the most absurd manner, and are the victims at all times of the nearest object. There is even no philosopher who is a philosopher at all times. Our experience, our perception is conditioned by the need to acquire in parts and in succession, that is, with every truth a certain falsehood.

Poetry teaches the enormous force of a few words, and, in proportion to the inspiration, checks loquacity.

We must be lovers, and at once the impossible becomes possible.

What school, college, or lecture bring men depends on what men bring to carry it home in.

Progress is the activity of today and the assurance of tomorrow

It is the doctrine of the popular music-masters, that whoever can speak can sing. So, probably, every man is eloquent once in his life. Our temperaments differ in capacity of heat, or

[D]ivine Providence... keeps the universe open in every direction to the soul.