The traveled mind is the catholic mind educated from exclusiveness and egotism.
Opposition strengthens the manly will.
Would Shakespeare and Raleigh have done their best, would that galaxy have shone so bright in the heavens had there been no Elizabeth on the throne?
Heaven trims our lamps while we sleep.
Books are the most mannerly of companions, accessible at all times, in all moods, frankly declaring the author’s mind, without offense.
Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps.
All unrest is but the struggle of the soul to reassure herself of her inborn immortality.
Plans made in the nursery Can change the course of history.
As education becomes inclusive, introspective, cosmic, promoting whole populations to power and privilege, it enthrones a vast, invisible, personal rule over the common mind.
Of books in our time the variety is so voluminous, and they follow so fast from the press, that one must be a swift reader to acquaint himself even with their titles, and wise to discern what are worth reading.
Creeds, like other goods, pass by inheritance to descendants.
Cities with all their advantages have something hostile to liberal learning, the seductions are so subtle and accost the senses so openly on all sides.
Divination seems heightened and raised to its highest power in woman.
Evil is retributive: every trespass slips fetters on the will, holds the soul in durance till contrition and repentance restore it to liberty.
Genius has oftenest been the pariah of his time, the unhoused god whom none cared for, unnamed till they whom he first promoted, enriched and honored, found it honorable to own their benefactor.
Whatsoever stirs the stagnant currents, setting these flowing in wholesome directions, promotes brisk spirits and productive thinking. The less of routine, the more of life.
An age deficient in idealism has ever been one of immorality and superficial attainment, since without the sense of ideas, nobility of character becomes of rare attainment, if possible.
Devotees of grammatical studies have not been distinguished for any very remarkable felicities of expression.
One must be rich in thought and character to owe nothing to books.
Time is one’s best friend, teaching best of all the wisdom of silence.