In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty.

Let there be worse cotton and better men.

Who leaves the pine-tree, leaves his friend, Unnerves his strength, invites his end.

Don't hang a dismal picture on the wall, and do not daub with sables and glooms in your conversation. Don't be a cynic and disconsolate preacher. Don't bewail and bemoan. Omit the negative propositions. Nerve us with incessant affirmatives. Don't waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good. When that is spoken which has a right to be spoken, the chatter and the criticism will stop. Set down nothing that will not help somebody.

All science has one aim, namely, to find a theory of nature.

In a library we are surrounded by many hundreds of dear friends, but they are imprisoned by an enchanter in these paper and leathern boxes.

It's a luxury to be understood.