“He must win the battle of life with his own hand, and with his own eyes.”

Emphasising the artist's dependence on personal skill, perception and effort · Speech, Artists' General Benevolent Institution, London, 29 March 1862

• Art
• Struggle

“To have established such relations with readers of my books is a great happiness to me, and one that I hope never to forfeit by being otherwise than manfully and truly in earnest in my vocation.”

Valuing readers' trust as something that must be earned through sincerity · Letter to R. M. Ross, 19 February 1866

• Art
• Friendship

“I should prefer an intimate association with it now, in its early days and apparent struggles, to becoming its advocate and acquaintance, its fair-weather friend, in its high and palmy days.”

Valuing loyalty during difficulty above attachment after success · Speech, Birmingham, 28 February 1844

• Friendship
• Hope