Considering the multitude of mortals that handle the pen in these days, and can mostly spell, and write without glaring violations of grammar, the question naturally arises: How is it, then, that no work proceeds from them, bearing any stamp of authenticity and permanence; of worth for more than one day?

'Genius' which means transcendent capacity of taking trouble, first of all.

The mystery of a person, indeed, is ever divine to him that has a sense for the godlike.

Fame, we may understand, is no sure test of merit, but only a probability of such: it is an accident, not a property, of a man; like light, it can give little or nothing, but at most may show what is given.

I know so little about any history. How little do I know even about the history of myself.

By nature man hates change; seldom will he quit his old home till it has actually fallen around his ears.

Also, what mountains of dead ashes, wreck and burnt bones, does assiduous pedantry dig up from the past time and name it History.