Real action is in silent moments.

Whatever appeals to the imagination, by transcending the ordinary limits of human ability, wonderfully encourages and liberates us.

Very idle is all curiosity concerning other people's estimate of us, and all fear of remaining unknown is not less so.

Beauty is the moment of transition, as if the form were just ready to flow into other forms.

Although knaves win in every political struggle, although society seems to be delivered over from the hands of one set of criminals into the hands of another set of criminals, as fast as the government is changed, and the march of civilization is a train of felonies, yet, general ends are somehow answered.

Life is a festival only to the wise. Seen from the nook and chimneyside of prudence, it wears a ragged and dangerous front.

We do what we must, and call it by the best names we can, and would fain have the praise of having intended the result which ensues.