“The improvement of understanding is for two ends: first, our own increase of knowledge; secondly, to enable us to deliver that knowledge to others”

“A writer is someone who can make a riddle out of an answer”

“Sentimentally I am disposed to harmony; but organically I am incapable of a tune”

“The sure conviction that we could if we wanted to is the reason so many good minds are idle”

“The most accomplished monkey cannot draw a monkey, this only man can do; just as it is also only man who regards his ability to do this as a distinct merit”

“Our grand business undoubtedly is, not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand”