In art, to express the infinite one should suggest infinitely more than is expressed.

The beginning of faith is the beginning of fruitfulness; but the beginning of unbelief, however glittering, is empty.

No matter what one says, you can recognize only those matters that are equal to you. Only rulers who possess extraordinary abilities will recognize and esteem properly extraordinary abilities in their subjects and servants.

One should not wish anyone disagreeable conditions of life; but for him who is involved in them by chance, they are touchstones of characters and of the most decisive value to man.

To understand one thing well is better than understanding many things by halves.

The confidant of my vices is my master, though he were my valet.

A great deal may be done by severity, more by love, but most by clear discernment and impartial justice.