Battles, in these ages, are transacted by mechanism; with the slightest possible development of human individuality or spontaneity; men now even die, and kill one another, in an artificial manner.

There is a perennial nobleness, and even sacredness, in work. Were he never so benighted, forgetful of his high calling, there is always hope in a man that actually and earnestly works: in idleness alone there is perpetual despair.

The grand result of schooling is a mind with just vision to discern, with free force to do: the grand schoolmaster is Practice.

The devil has his elect.

Poetry is the attempt which man makes to render his existence harmonious.

Dinners are defined as 'the ultimate act of communion;' men that can have communion in nothing else, can sympathetically eat together, can still rise into some glow of brotherhood over food and wine.

Writing is a dreadful labor, yet not so dreadful as Idleness.