“Intelligence and proper education will give you independence of spirit.”

“I am a free human being with an independent will."Jane Eyre”

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

“And it is you, spirit--with will and energy, and virtue and purity--that I want, not alone with your brittle frame.”

“I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal--as we are!”

“Courage, Lucy Snowe! With self-denial and economy now, and steady exertion by-and-by, an object in life need not fail you. Venture not to complain that such an object is too selfish, too limited, and lacks interest; be content to labour for independence until you have proved, by winning that prize, your right to look higher.”

“You can write nothing of value unless you give yourself wholly to the the theme -- and when you so give yourself -- you lose appetite ans sleep -- it cannot be helped --”