More from Essays: First Series (1841) Essay XII, 'Art'
- A chief event of life is the day in which we have encountered a mind that startled us.
- A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud.
- Artists must be sacrificed to their art. Like bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give.
- He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.
- If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon or make a better mousetrap than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.
- Imagination is not a talent of some men but is the health of every man.
Last reviewed 2026-07-06