Drowsing, they take the noble attitude of a great sphinx, who, in a desert land, sleeps always, dreaming dreams that have no end.

The dandy should aspire to be uninterruptedly sublime. He should live and sleep in front of a mirror.

Nature is a temple, where the living Columns sometimes breathe confusing speech; Man walks within these groves of symbols, each Of which regards him as a kindred thing.

That in all times, mediocrity has dominated, that is indubitable; but that it reigns more than ever, that it is becoming absolutely triumphant and inhibiting, this is what is as true as it is distressing.

Being a useful man has always seemed to me to be something truly hideous.

No task is a long one but the task on which one dare not start. It becomes a nightmare.

Nature is a word, an allegory, a mold, an embossing, if you will.