Art is in itself noble; that is why the artist has no fear of what is common. This, indeed, is already ennobled when he takes it up.

It is said, that no one is a hero to their butler. The reason is, that it requires a hero to recognize a hero. The butler, however, will probably know well how to estimate his equals.

Talent develops in quiet, alone; character is sharpened in the torrent of the world.

Individuality of expression is the beginning and end of all art.

It is sometimes essential for a husband and a wife to quarrel - they get to know each other better.

He who is wise puts aside all claims which may dissipate his attention, and confining himself to one branch excels in that.

In all things, to serve from the lowest station upwards is necessary. To restrict yourself to a trade is best. For the narrow mind, whatever he attempts is still a trade; for the higher, an art; and the highest in doing one thing does all, or, to speak less paradoxically, in the one thing which he does rightly he sees the likeness of all that is done rightly.