"I intend to be the first American author of any note."

"I have a profound contempt for the opinions of mankind."

"And then there stole into my fancy, like a rich musical note, the thought of what sweet rest there must be in the grave."

"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."

"I have great faith in fools - self-confidence my friends will call it."