There is a genius of a nation, which is not to be found in the numerical citizens, but which characterizes the society.

We are reformers in the spring and summer, but in autumn we stand by the old. Reformers in the morning, and conservers at night.

To fill the hour; that is happiness to fill the hour, and leave no crevice for a repentance or an approval.

Let us not forget the genial miraculous force we have known to proceed from a book.

Who can . . . guess how much industry and providence and affection we have caught from the pantomime of brutes?

The masses have no habit of self-reliance or original action.

Immitation is suicide.