It's a curious thing, this thing we call civilization...we think it is an affair of epochs, and nations. It's really an affair of individuals. One brother will be civilized and the other a barbarian...All civilization comes through literature now, especially in our country. A Greek got his civilization by talking and looking, and in some measure a Parisian may still do it. But we, who live remote from history and monuments, we must read or we must barbarise.
William Dean HowellsThe conqueror is regarded with awe; the wise man commands our respect; but it is only the benevolent man that wins our affection.
William Dean HowellsIt is the curse of prosperity that it takes work away from us, and shuts that door to hope and health of spirit.
William Dean Howells