It has come to be practically a sort of rule in literature that a man, having once shown himself capable of original writing, is entitled thenceforth to steal from the writings of others at discretion.

The saint and poet seek privacy to ends the most public and universal: and it is the secret of culture, to interest the man more in his public, than in his private quality.

The difference between Talent and Genius is that Talent says things which he has never heard but once, and Genius things which he has never heard.

Truth is handsomer than the affectation of love. Your goodness must have some edge to it, else it is none.

None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.

Rings and other jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself.

Never utter the truism but live it among men.