Silence is a solvent that destroys personality, and gives us leave to be great and universal.

The man, who has seen the rising moon break out of the clouds at midnight, has been present like an archangel at the creation of light and of the world.

Not for nothing one face, one character, one fact makes much impression on him, and another none.

We have a great deal more kindness than is ever spoken.

Character wants room; must not be crowded on by persons, nor be judged from glimpses got in the press of affairs, or on few occasions. It needs perspective, as a great building.

Perpetual modernness is the measure of merit, in every work of art; since the author of it was not misled by anything short- livedor local, but abode by real and abiding traits.

In England every man you meet is some man's son; in America, he may be some man's father.