Were I called on to define, very briefly, the term art, I should call it "the Reproduction of what the senses perceive in nature through the veil of the mist

I have no faith in human perfectibility. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.

It is the nature of truth in general, as of some ores in particular, to be richest when most superficial.

Were I called on to define, very briefly, the term Art, I should call it 'the reproduction of what the Senses perceive in Nature through the veil of the soul.' The mere imitation, however accurate, of what is in Nature, entitles no man to the sacred name of 'Artist.'

It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.

Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.