William Gilmore Simms

I believe that economists put decimal points in their forecasts to show they have a sense of humor.

Tears are the natural penalties of pleasure. It is a law that we should pay for all that we enjoy.

The only true source of politeness is consideration.

Neither praise or blame is the object of true criticism. Justly to discriminate, firmly to establish, wisely to prescribe, and honestly to award. These are the true aims and duties of criticism.

Genius is the very eye of intellect and the wing of thought; it is always in advance of its time, and is the pioneer for the generation which it precedes.

Most men remember obligations, but are not often likely to be grateful; the proud are made sour by the remembrance and the vain silent.

The dread of criticism is the death of genius.

He who would acquire fame must not show himself afraid of censure. The dread of censure is the death of genius.

The true law of the race is progress and development. Whenever civilization pauses in the march of conquest, it is overthrown by the barbarian.