I work for posterity, these things requiring ages for their accomplishment.

There is another ground of hope that must not be omitted. Let men but think over their infinite expenditure of understanding, time, and means on matters and pursuits of far less use and value; whereof, if but a small part were directed to sound and solid studies, there is no difficulty that might not be overcome.

I don't believe art is available; it's rare and curious and should be completely isolated; one is more aware of its magic the more it is isolated.

When a man laughs at his troubles he loses a great many friends. They never forgive the loss of their prerogative.

If I go to the National Gallery and I look at one of the great paintings that excite me there, it's not so much the painting that excites me as that the painting unlocks all kinds of valves of sensation within me which return me to life more violently.

Mark what a generosity and courage (a dog) will put on when he finds himself maintained by a man, who to him is instead of a God

It would be unsound fancy and self-contradictory to expect that things which have never yet been done can be done except by means which have never yet been tried.