An actually existing fly is more important than a possibly existing angel.
It seems as if the day was not wholly profane in which we have given heed to some natural object.
Every great man is a unique. The Scipionism of Scipio is precisely that part he could not borrow.
Genius is intellect constructive.
Nature is good, but intellect is better, as the law-giver is before the law-receiver.
To be able to discern that what is true is true, and that what is false is false, – this is the mark and character of intelligence.
The intelligent have a right over the ignorant; namely, the right of instructing them.
There is a property in the horizon which no man has, but he whose eyes can integrate all the parts, – that is, the poet.
Lawyers are a prudent race though not very fond of liberty.
Morality is the object of government.
Do not fear to put novels into the hands of young people as an occasional holiday experiment, but above all, good poetry in all kinds, – epic, tragedy, lyric. If we can touch the imagination, we serve them; they will never forget it.
Age, like woman, requires fit surroundings.
The masters painted for joy, and knew not that virtue had gone out of them. They could not paint the like in cold blood. The masters of English lyric wrote their songs so. It was a fine efflorescence of fine powers.
When we see a special reformer we feel like asking him, What right have you, sir, to your own virtue? Is virtue piecemeal?
Our poets are men of talents who sing, and not the children of music.
The poet’s habit of living should be set on a key so low that the common influences should delight him.
Poets should be law-givers; that is, the boldest lyric inspiration should not chide and insult, but should announce and lead the civil code, and the day’s work.
Only that is poetry which cleanses and mans me.
Defect in manners is usually the defect of fine perceptions. Men are too coarsely made for the delicacy of beautiful carriage and customs. It is not quite sufficient to good breeding, a union of kindness and independence.
The truth, the hope, of any time must be sought in the minorities. Michael Angelo was the conscience of Italy. We grow free with his name, and find it ornamental now, but in his own day his friends were few.