The test of civilization is the power of drawing the most benefit out of cities.

Culture is the suggestion, from certain best thoughts, that a man has a range of affinities through which he can modulate the violence of any master-tones that have a droning preponderance in his scale, and succor him against himself. Culture redresses this imbalance, puts him among equals and superiors, revives the delicious sense of sympathy, and warns him of the dangers of solitude and repulsion.

The stupidity of men always invites the insolence of power.

A beautiful person among the Greeks, was thought to betray by this sign some secret favor of the immortal gods; and we can pardonpride, when a woman possesses such a figure that wherever she stands, or moves, or leaves a shadow on the wall, or sits for a portrait to the artist, she confers a favor on the world.

The experience of each new age requires a new confession, and the world seems always waiting for its poet

It is very hard to be simple enough to be good.

He that rides his hobby gently must always give way to him that rides his hobby hard.