We are the prisoners of ideas. They catch us up for moments into their heaven, and so fully engage us, that we take no thought forthe morrow, gaze like children, without an effort to make them our own.

The virtue of books is to be readable.

Life is not intellectual or critical, but sturdy. Its chief good is for well-mixed people who can enjoy what they find, without question.

The young man reveres men of genius, because, to speak truly, they are more himself than he is.

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

Do not shut up the young people against their will in a pew, and force the children to ask them questions for an hour against their will.

Wit makes its own welcome, and levels all distinctions. No dignity, no learning, no force of character, can make any stand against good wit.