That unremitting application and unbroken series of their thoughts, admired in every profession, is only complained of in that one whose professors with so much sincerity mourn over the brevity of life, which has often closed on them while sketching their works.
It is, however, only in solitude that the genius of eminent men has been formed.

There their first thoughts sprang, and there it will become them to find their last: for the solitude of old age--and old age must be often in solitude--may be found the happiest with the literary character.
Solitude is the nurse of enthusiasm, and enthusiasm is the true parent of genius.

In all ages solitude has been called for--has been flown to.

No considerable work was ever composed till its author, like an ancient magician, first retired to the grove, or to the closet, to invocate.

When genius languishes in an irksome solitude among crowds, that is the moment to fly into seclusion and meditation.