The world is filled with the proverbs and acts and winkings of a base prudence, which is a devotion to matter, as if we possessedno other faculties than the palate, the nose, the touch, the eye and ear; a prudence which adores the Rule of Three, which never subscribes, which never gives, which seldom lends, and asks but one question of any project,--Will it bake bread?

Fate, then, is a name for facts not yet passed under the fire of thought; for causes which are unpenetrated.

Whenever a true theory appears, it will be its own evidence. Its test is, that it will explain all phenomena.

Pretension may sit still, but cannot act. Pretension never feigned an act of real greatness. Pretension never wrote an Iliad, nordrove back Xerxes, nor christianized the world, nor abolished slavery.

A certain awkwardness marks the use of borrowed thoughts; but as soon as we have learned what to do with them, they become our own.

Human character evermore publishes itself. The most fugitive deed and word, the intimated purpose, express character.

Your work should be in praise of what you love.