A genius can't be forced; nor can you make an ape an alderman.

The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of honor.

The true joy of life [is] being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one ... being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown to the scrap heap ... being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish clod of ailments and grievances.

Every unnatural activity of the brain is as mischievous as any unnatural activity of the body and that pressing people to learn things they do not want to know is as unwholesome and disastrous as feeding them on sawdust.

Literature nowadays is a trade. Putting aside men of genius, who may succeed by mere cosmic force, your successful man of letters is your skilful tradesman. He thinks first and foremost of the markets . . .

Vivutur ingenio, that damn'd motto there Seduced me first to me a wicked player.