The kingdom of music is not the kingdom of this world; it will accept those whom breeding and intellect and culture have alike rejected.

As her time in Florence drew to a close she was only at ease amongst those to whom she felt indifferent.

Don't believe those lies about intellectual people. They're only written to soothe the majority.

I won't be protected. I will choose for myself what is ladylike and right. To shield me is an insult.

They go forth [into the world] with well-developed bodies, fairly developed minds and undeveloped hearts. An undeveloped heart - not a cold one. The difference is important.

Letters have to pass two tests before they can be classed as good: they must express the personality both of the writer and of the recipient.

Expansion, that is the idea the novelist must cling to, not completion, not rounding off, but opening out.