The field of experience is the whole universe in all directions. Theory remains shut up within the limits of human faculties.

We are never further from what we wish than when we believe that we have what we wished for.

Mathematicians are like Frenchmen: whatever you say to them they translate into their own language and forthwith it is something entirely different.

Solitude is fine when you are at peace with yourself and have something definite to do.

Wood burns because it has the proper stuff for that purpose in it; and a man becomes renowned because he has the necessary stuff in him. Renown is not to be sought, and all pursuit of it is vain. A person may, indeed, by skillful conduct and various artificial means, make a sort of name for himself; but if the inner jewel is wanting, all is vanity, and will not last a day.

The happy do not believe in miracles.

In every artist there is a touch of audacity without which no talent is conceivable.