Mankind divides itself into two classes,--benefactors and malefactors. The second class is vast; the first a handful.

Conservatism makes no poetry, breathes no prayer, has no invention; it is all memory. Reform has no gratitude, no prudence, no husbandry.

There is a principle which is the basis of things, which all speech aims to say, and all action to evolve, a simple, quiet, undescribed, undescribable presence, dwelling very peacefully in us, our rightful lord: we are not to do, but to let do; not to work, but to be worked upon.

Genius has no taste for weaving sand.

It is very unhappy, but too late to be helped, the discovery we have made, that we exist

The charm of fine manners is music and sculpture and picture to many who do not pretend to appreciation of these arts.

Ne te quaesiveris extra." (Do not seek for things outside of yourself)