It is by teaching that we teach ourselves, by relating that we observe, by affirming that we examine, by showing that we look, by writing that we think, by pumping that we draw water into the well.

Truth above all, even when it upsets us and overwhelms us.

Self-interest is an inexhaustible source of convenient illusions. The number of beings who wish to see truly is extraordinarily small.

A modest garden contains, for those who know how to look and to wait, more instruction than a library.

Nothing is more characteristic of a man than the manner in which he behaves toward fools.

The musician of the present day, not being able to give us what is beautiful, torments himself to give us what is new.

There is no repose for the mind except in the absolute; for feeling, except in the infinite; for the soul, except in the divine.