Since men do not really respect anything unless it was established long ago and has developed slowly over time, those who want tokeep on living after their death must take worry not only about their future generations but even more about their past: that is why tyrants of all kinds (including tyrannical artists and politicians) like to do violence to history, so that it will appear as a preparation and stepladder to themselves.

It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book.

The love of truth has its reward in heaven and even on earth.

The grand style follows suit with all great passion. It disdains to please, it forgets to persuade. It commands. It wills.

Whatever we have words for, that we have already got beyond.

Everything matters. Nothing's important.

Those who create are hard of heart.