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

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

In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty.

A man becomes what he thinks about most of the time

All writing is by the grace of God. People do not deserve to have good writing, they are so pleased with bad. In these sentences that you show me, I can find no beauty, for I see death in every clause and every word. There is a fossil or a mummy character which pervades this book. The best sepulchers, the vastest catacombs, Thebes and Cairo, Pyramids, are sepulchers to me. I like gardens and nurseries. Give me initiative, spermatic, prophesying, man-making words.

A scholar is a man with his inconvenience, that, when you ask him his opinion of any matter, he must go home and look up his manuscripts to know.

Right is more beautiful than private affection, and is compatible with universal wisdom.