Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character. - Among My Books, 1870.

Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character. - Among My Books, 1870.

Sometimes I need what only you can provide, your absence.

Sometimes I need what only you can provide, your absence.

One can acquire everything in solitude except character. - On Love, 1822.

One can acquire everything in solitude except character. - On Love, 1822.

Silence is one great art of conversation.

Silence is one great art of conversation.

The heart may think it knows better: the senses know that absence blots people out. We really have no absent read more

The heart may think it knows better: the senses know that absence blots people out. We really have no absent friends. The friend becomes a traitor by breaking, however unwillingly or sadly, out of our own zone: a hard judgment is passed on him, for all the pleas of the heart.

We're our own dragons as well as our own heroes, and we have to rescue ourselves from ourselves.

We're our own dragons as well as our own heroes, and we have to rescue ourselves from ourselves.

Separation penetrates the disappearing person like a pigment and steeps him in gentle radiance.

Separation penetrates the disappearing person like a pigment and steeps him in gentle radiance.

He never is alone that is accompanied with noble thoughts. - Love's Cure, 1647.

He never is alone that is accompanied with noble thoughts. - Love's Cure, 1647.

Solitude is the playfield of Satan. - Pale Fire, 1962.

Solitude is the playfield of Satan. - Pale Fire, 1962.