No theory is good unless it permits, not rest, but the greatest work. No theory is good except on condition that one use it to go on beyond.

Chastity more rarely follows fear, or a resolution, or a vow, than it is the mere effect of lack of appetite and, sometimes even, of distaste.

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.

Obtain from yourself all that makes complaining useless. No longer implore from others what you yourself can obtain.

The artist who is after success lets himself be influenced by the public. Generally such an artist contributes nothing new, for the public acclaims only what it already knows, what it recognizes.

To what a degree the same past can leave different marks - and especially admit of different interpretations.

I can't expect others to share my virtues. It's good enough for me if they share my vices.