A painter told me that nobody could draw a tree without in some sort becoming a tree.

I confess myself utterly at a loss in suggesting particular reforms in our ways of teaching. No discretion that can be lodged with a school-committee, with the overseers or visitors of an academy, of a college, can at all avail to reach these difficulties and perplexities, but they solve themselves when we leave institutions and address individuals.

What is there of the divine in a load of brick? What ... in a barber shop? ... Much. All.

To educate the wise man, the State exists; and with the appearance of the wise man, the State expires. The appearance of charactermakes the state unnecessary. The wise man is the State.

I give you joy of your free and brave thought. I have great joy in it. I find incomparable things said incomparably well, as they must be. I find the courage of treatment which so delights us, and which large perception only can inspire.

Our best thoughts come from others.

Art is not to be found by touring to Egypt, China, or Peru; if you cannot find it at your own door, you will never find it.