Men are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely.

It may be laid as an universal rule that a government which attempts more than it ought will perform less.

Generalization is necessary to the advancement of knowledge; but particularly is indispensable to the creations of the imagination. In proportion as men know more and think more they look less at individuals and more at classes. They therefore make better theories and worse poems.

In truth it may be laid down as an almost universal rule that good poets are bad critics.

By poetry we mean the art of employing of words in such a manner as to produce an illusion on the imagination; the art of doing by means of words, what the painter does by means of colors.

The effect of violent dislike between groups has always created an indifference to the welfare and honor of the state.

We cannot absolutely prove that those are in error who tell us that society has reached a turning point, that we have seen our best days. But so said all before us, and with just as much apparent reason.