All natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence.

An action is the perfection and publication of thought.

Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions.

No love can be bound by oath or covenant to secure it against a higher love.

The refining influence is the study of art, which is the science of beauty; and I find that every man values every scrap of knowledge in art, every observation of his own in it, every hint he has caught from another. For the laws of beauty are the beauty of beauty, and give the mind the same or a higher joy than the sight of it gives the senses. The study of art is of high value to the growth of the intellect.

There is a mortifying experience in particular, which does not fail to wreak itself also in the general history; I mean "the foolish face of praise," the forced smile which we put on in company where we do not feel at ease, in answer to conversation which does not interest us. The muscles, not spontaneously moved but moved, by a low usurping wilfulness, grow tight about the outline of the face, with the most disagreeable sensation.

A determined man, by his very attitude and the tone of his voice, puts a stop to defeat, and begins to conquer.