We have a great deal more kindness than is ever spoken. (Despite) all the selfishness that chills like east winds the world, the whole human family is bathed with an element of love like a fine ether... The effect of the indulgence of this human affection is a certain cordial exhilaration.

Society is frivolous, and shreds its day into scraps, its conversation into ceremonies and escapes.

I shun father and mother and wife and brother, when my genius calls me.

It's a luxury to be understood.

Drive out Nature with a fork, she comes running back.

The art of sculpture is long ago perished to any real effect... it is the game of a rude and youthful people, and not the manly labour of a wise and spiritual nation.

Besides the general infusion of wit to heighten civility, the direct splendor of intellectual power is ever welcome in fine society, as the costliest addition to its rule and its credit.