“Surely, then, the gardener who produces shapes and objects so lovely and so comforting, should have some hold upon the world’s remembrance when he himself becomes in need of comfort.”

Arguing that those who create beauty deserve care in their own need · Speech, London, 14 June 1852

• Beauty
• Memory
• Nature

“I shall never recall you as a mere public audience, but rather as a host of personal friends, and ever with the greatest gratitude, tenderness, and consideration.”

Transforming the relationship between performer and audience into remembered friendship · Speech, New York, 20 April 1868

• Friendship
• Memory

“Just as a nation is happy whose records are barren, so is a society fortunate that has no history—and its president unfortunate.”

Finding humour in the idea that uneventful history can signal success · Speech, London, 9 May 1865

• Time
• Truth