In morals, what begins in fear usually ends in wickedness; in religion, what begins in fear usually ends in fanaticism. Fear, either as a principle or a motive, is the beginning of all evil.

As the eye becomes blinded by fashion to positive deformity, so, through social conventionalism, the conscience becomes blinded to positive immorality.

He that seeks popularity in art closes the door on his own genius: as he must needs paint for other minds, and not for his own.

The moment one begins to solder right and wrong together, one's conscience becomes like a piece of plated goods.

Of how many women might the history be comprised in those few words - 'she lived, suffered, and was buried'!

A good taste in art feels the presence or the absence of merit; a just taste discriminates the degree--the poco piu and the poco meno. A good taste rejects faults; a just taste selects excellences. A good taste is often unconscious; a just taste is always conscious. A good taste may be lowered or spoilt; a just taste can only go on refining more and more.

Accuracy of language is one of the bulwarks of truth.