The secret of genius is to suffer no fiction to exist for us; to realize all that we know; in the high refinement of modern life,in arts, in sciences, in books, in men, to exact good faith, reality, and a purpose; and first, last, midst, and without end, to honor every truth by use.

Talent is commonly developed at the expense of character.

It is bad enough that our geniuses cannot do anything useful, but it is worse that no man is fit for society who has fine traits.He is admired at a distance, but he cannot come near without appearing a cripple.

Do not require a description of the countries towards which you sail. The description does not describe them to you, and to- morrow you arrive there, and know them by inhabiting them.

A man finds room in the few square inches of the face for the traits of all his ancestors; for the expression of all his history, and his wants.

The value of a dollar is social, as it is created by society.

We are as much informed of a writer's genius by what he selects as by what he originates.