I cannot often enough say, that a man is only a relative and representative nature. Each is a hint of the truth, but far enough from being that truth, which yet he quite newly and inevitably suggests to us. If I seek it in him, I shall not find it.

Every man's task [his 'great dream' and impassioned life-goal] is his life preserver.

English history is aristocracy with the doors open. Who has courage and faculty, let him come in.

The lover is made happier by his love than the object of his affection.

History no longer shall be a dull book. It shall walk incarnate in every just and wise man. You shall not tell me by language and titles a catalogue of the volumes you have read. You shall make me feel what periods you have lived.

When the act of reflection takes place in the mind, when we look at ourselves in the light of thought, we discover that our life is embosomed in beauty.

The masses have no habit of self-reliance or original action.