The key to the age may be this, or that, or the other, as the young orators describe; the key to all ages is - Imbecility; imbecility in the vast majority of men, at all times, and, even in heroes, in all but certain eminent moments; victims of gravity

What is indispensable to inspiration? ...sound sleep and the provocation of a good book or a companion.

An actually existing fly is more important than a possibly existing angel.

Thus is man made equal to every event. He can face danger for the right. A poor, tender, painful body, he can run into flame or bullets or pestilence, with duty for his guide.

For what avail the plough or sail, or land or life, if freedom fail?

Ever the words of the gods resound; But the porches of man's ear seldom in this low life's round are unsealed, that he may hear.

The history of the genesis or the old mythology repeats itself in the experience of every child. He too is a demon or god thrown into a particular chaos, where he strives ever to lead things from disorder into order.