Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it.

Wise men appreciate all men, for they see the good in each and know how hard it is to make anything good.

There is no beauty unaided, no excellence that does not sink to the barbarous, unless saved by art.

Don't show off every day, or you'll stop surprising people. There must always be some novelty left over. The person who displays a little more of it each day keeps up expectations, and no one ever discovers the limits of his talent.

Do not make mistakes about character. Better be cheated in the price than in the quality of goods.

Keep to yourself the final touches of your art.

There is no desert like being friendless.