We want but two or three friends, but these we cannot do without, and they serve us in every thought we think.

Nature forever puts a premium on reality. What is done for effect is seen to be done for effect; what is done for love is felt to be done for love. A man inspires affection and honor because he was not lying in wait for these.

I read the other day some verses written by an eminent painter which were original and not conventional. The soul always hears an admonition in such lines, let the subject be what it may. The sentiment they instil is of more value than any thought they may contain. To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, - that is genius.

Nature cannot be surprised in undress. Beauty breaks in everywhere.

Generalization is always a new influx of divinity into the mind. Hence the thrill that attends it.

The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.

The enthusiast always finds the master, the masters, whom he seeks. Always genius seeks genius, desires nothing so much as to be a pupil and to find those who can lend it aid to perfect itself.