The Potemkin city of which I wish to speak here is none other than our dear Vienna herself.

Changes in the traditional way of building are only permitted if they are an improvement. Otherwise stay with what is traditional, for truth, even if it be hundreds of years old has a stronger inner bond with us than the lie that walks by our side.

The house has to please everyone, contrary to the work of art which does not. The work is a private matter for the artist. The house is not.

The law courts must appear as a threatening gesture toward secret vice. The bank must declare: here your money is secure and well looked after by honest people.

Lack of ornamentation is a sign of spiritual strength.

Architecture arouses sentiments in man. The architect's task therefore, is to make those sentiments more precise.

Be truthful. Nature only sides with truth.