Reputation is in itself only a farthing candle, of a wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but it is the light by which the world looks for and finds merit. James Russell Lowell
Let us be of good cheer, however, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never come. James Russell Lowell
Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character. James Russell Lowell
Poetry is something to make us wiser and better, by continually revealing those types of beauty and truth, which God has set in all men’s souls. James Russell Lowell
Democracy is the form of government that gives every man the right to be his own oppressor. James Russell Lowell
Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do that day, which must be done, whether you like it or not. James Russell Lowell
Sincerity is impossible, unless it pervade the whole being, and the pretence of it saps the very foundation of character. James Russell Lowell
Children are God’s Apostles, sent forth, day by day, to preach of love, and hope and peace. James Russell Lowell
Communism means barbarism. James Russell Lowell
And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days;
Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune,
And over it softly her warm ear lays:
Whether we look, or whether we listen,
We hear life murmur, or see it glisten;
James Russell Lowell
All God’s angels come to us disguised. James Russell Lowell
Compromise makes a good umbrella, but a poor roof; it is temporary expedient, often wise in party politics, almost sure to be unwise in statesmanship. James Russell Lowell
Sentiment is intellectualized emotion, – emotion precipitated, as it were, in pretty crystals by the fancy. James Russell Lowell
Such power there is in clear-eyed self-restraint. James Russell Lowell