All great masters are chiefly distinguished by the power of adding a second, a third, and perhaps a fourth step in a continuous line. Many a man has taken the first step. With every additional step you enhance immensely the value of your first.

No man can be criticised but by a greater than he. Do not, then, read the reviews.

Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.

In analysing history do not be too profound, for often the causes are quite superficial.

When he is pushed, tormented, defeated, he has a chance to learn something; ... he learns his ignorance, is cured of the insanity of conceit; has got moderation and real skill.

Then, though I prize my friends, I cannot afford to talk with them and study their visions, lest I lose my own. It would indeed give me a certain household joy to quit this lofty seeking, this spiritual astronomy, or search of stars, and come down to warm sympathies with you; but then I know well I shall mourn always the vanishing of my mighty gods.

Proverbs, words, and grammar inflections convey the public sense with more purity and precision, than the wisest individual.