Walt Whitman — "I am the sworn poet of the new, modern, democratic man."

"Of physiology from top to toe I sing, Not physiognomy alone nor brain alone is worthy for the Muse, I say the Form complete is worthier far."

"Democracy, with all its threatening evils, supplies a training-school. It is life's gymnasium, not of good only, but of all."

"I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."

"The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem."

"Filthy to others, to me they are not filthy, but illustrious; while critics consider those subjects from the point of view of persons standing on the lowest animal and infidelistic platform. Which, th…"