There is often more spiritual force in a proverb than in whole philosophical systems.

In a different time, in a different place, it is always some other side of our common human nature that has been developing itself. The actual truth is the sum of all these.

Song is the heroics of speech.

All work of man is as the swimmer's: a vast ocean threatens to devour him; if he front it not bravely, it will keep its word.

Books are a triviality. Life alone is great.

The vulgarity of inanimate things requires time to get accustomed to; but living, breathing, bustling, plotting, planning, human vulgarity is a species of moral ipecacuanha, enough to destroy any comfort.

Great men are the commissioned guides of mankind, who rule their fellows because they are wiser.