One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words. Men show their characters in nothing more clearly than in what they think laughable. One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words. Talent develops in tranquillity, character in the full current of human life. Genius thinks it can do whatever it sees others doing, but is sure to repent of every ill-judged outlay Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.
Men show their characters in nothing more clearly than in what they think laughable.
First and last, what is demanded of genius is love of truth. I respect the man who knows distinctly what he wishes. The greater part of all mischief in the world arises from the fact that men do not sufficiently understand their own aims. They have undertaken to build a tower, and spend no more labor on the foundation than would be necessary to erect a hut. Everything in the world may be endured except continued prosperity.