Art is mind and heart and touch as much and more than it is mere instrument, technique - without which however it cannot exist at all.

The Renaissance had resulted in the emancipation of the individual, in making him feel that the universe had no other purpose than his happiness. This brought an entirely new answer to the question, 'Why should I do this or that?' It used to be, 'Because self-instituted authority command you.' The answer now was, 'Because it is good for men.' In this lies our greatest debt to the Renaissance, that it instituted the welfare of men as the end of all action.

When everything else physical and mental seems to diminish, the appreciation of beauty is on the increase.

Literature in its most comprehensive sense is the autobiography of humanity.

No artifact is a work of art if it does not help to humanize us. Without art...our world would have remained a jungle.

Miracles happen to those who believe in them.

[Describing his house:] It is a library with living rooms attached.