Art does not imitate nature, but founds itself on the study of nature, takes from nature the selections which best accord with its own intention, and then bestows on them that which nature does not possess, viz: The mind and soul of man.

The Italians have voices like peacocks - German gives me a cold in the head - and Russian is nothing but sneezing

Rarest of all things on earth is the union in which both, by their contrasts, make harmonious their blending; each supplying the defects of the helpmate, and completing, by fusion, one strong human soul.

Master books, but do not let them master you.

It is an error to suppose that courage means courage in everything. Most people are brave only in the dangers to which they accustom themselves, either in imagination or practice.

Men of strong affections are jealous of their own genius. They fear lest they should be loved for a quality, and not for themselves.

Philosophy, while it soothes the reason, damps the ambition.