George Henry Lewes

The true function of philosophy is to educate us in the principles of reasoning and not to put an end to further reasoning by the introduction of fixed conclusions.

Philosophy and Art both render the invisible visible by imagination.

Insight is the first condition of Art.

All bad Literature rests upon imperfect insight, or upon imitation, which may be defined as seeing at second-hand.

All good Literature rests primarily on insight.

Books have become our dearest companions, yielding exquisite delights and inspiring lofty aims.

Ordinary men live among marvels and feel no wonder, grow familiar with objects and learn nothing new about them.

Insincerity is always weakness; sincerity even in error is strength.

The public can only be really moved by what is genuine.

Originality is independence, not rebellion; it is sincerity, not antagonism.

No man was ever eloquent by trying to be eloquent, but only by being so.

Speak for yourself and from yourself, or be silent.