"I have often thought that the sole regret of the transformed butterfly must be that it can only live for a day."

"In criticism I will be bold, and as sternly, absolutely just with friend and foe. From this purpose nothing shall turn me."

"I have... for the metaphysical poets [William Wordsworth, etc.], as poets, the most sovereign contempt. That they have followers proves nothing."

"I remained too much inside my head and ended up losing my mind."

"The true genius is a man who can say what he likes without being understood."