To read a writer is for me not merely to get an idea of what he says, but to go off with him and travel in his company.

Art begins with resistance - at the point where resistance is overcome. No human masterpiece has ever been created without great labor.

An opinion, though it is original, does not necessarily differ from the accepted opinion; the important thing is that it does not try to conform to it.

I owe much to my friends; but, all things considered, it strikes me that I owe even more to my enemies. The real person springs life under a sting even better than under a caress.

Great minds tend toward banality. It is the noblest effort of individualism. But it implies a sort of modesty, which is so rare that it is scarcely found except in the greatest, or in beggars.

I prefer granting with a good grace what I know I shan't be able to prevent.

Do not scorn little victories.