“It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.”

Imagining earthly life as a temporary state viewed differently after death · Published marginal notes, 1849

• Death
• Faith
• Mortality

“When a man of genius speaks of “the difficult” he means, simply, “the impossible.”

A characteristically sharp observation on ambition and creative limitation · Published marginal notes, 1849

• Art
• Truth

“I prefer commencing with the consideration of an effect.”

Expressing his belief that a work should be designed around its intended emotional impact · Literary essay, 1846

• Art