Tact is one of the first mental virtues, the absence of it is fatal to the best talent.
William Gilmore Simms

Neither praise or blame is the object of true criticism. Justly to discriminate, firmly to establish, wisely to prescribe, and honestly to award. These are the true aims and duties of criticism.
William Gilmore Simms

Genius is the very eye of intellect and the wing of thought; it is always in advance of its time, and is the pioneer for the generation which it precedes.
William Gilmore Simms

I believe that economists put decimal points in their forecasts to show they have a sense of humor.
William Gilmore Simms

Tears are the natural penalties of pleasure. It is a law that we should pay for all that we enjoy.
William Gilmore Simms

The true law of the race is progress and development. Whenever civilization pauses in the march of conquest, it is overthrown by the barbarian.
William Gilmore Simms

Most men remember obligations, but are not often likely to be grateful; the proud are made sour by the remembrance and the vain silent.
William Gilmore Simms

Not in sorrow freely is never to open the bosom to the sweets of the sunshine.
William Gilmore Simms