In European thought in general, as contrasted with American, vigor, life and originality have a kind of easy, professional utterance. American -- on the other hand, is expressed in an eager amateurish way. A European gives a sense of scope, of survey, of consideration. An American is strained, sensational. One is artistic gold; the other is bullion.

The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself.

All of our ideas come from the natural world: trees equal umbrellas.

Nothing could be more inappropriate to American literature than its English source since the Americans are not British in sensibility.

Conceptions are artificial. Perceptions are essential.

Divinity must live within herself: Passions of rain, or moods in the falling snow; Grievings in loneliness, or unsubdued Elations when the forest blooms; gusty Emotions on wet roads on autumn nights; All pleasures and all pains, remembering The boughs of summer and the winter branch. These are the measures destined for her soul.

God and the imagination are one.