The movements of exaltation which belong to genius are egotistic by their very nature.

A calm, clear mind, not subject to the spasms and crises which are so often met with in creative or intensely perceptive natures, is the best basis for love or friendship .-- Observe, I am talking about MINDS.

I won't say, the more intellect, the less capacity for loving; for that would do wrong to the understanding and reason;--but, on the other hand, that the brain often runs away with the heart's best blood, which gives the world a few pages of wisdom or sentiment or poetry, instead of making one other heart happy, I have no question.
If one's intimate in love or friendship cannot or does not share all one's intellectual tastes or pursuits, that is a small matter.
Intellectual companions can be found easily in men and books.
After all, if we think of it, most of the world's loves and friendships have been between people that could not read nor spell.
But to radiate the heat of the affections into a clod which absorbs all that is poured into it, but never warms beneath the sunshine of smiles or the pressure of hand or lip,--this is the great martyrdom of sensitive beings,--most of all in that perpetual auto da fe where young womanhood is the sacrifice.
-- You noticed, perhaps, what I just said about the loves and friendships of illiterate persons,--that is, of the human race, with a few exceptions here and there.

I like books,--I was born and bred among them, and have the easy feeling, when I get into their presence, that a stable-boy has among horses.

I don't think I undervalue them either as companions or as instructors.