As in Rome there is, apart from the Romans, a population of statues, so apart from this real world there is a world of illusion, almost more potent, in which most men live.

Assuredly there is no more lovely worship of God than that for which no image is required, but which springs up in our breast spontaneously when nature speaks to the soul, and the soul speaks to nature face to face.

Men are joined by conviction, sundered by opinion.

It has been said that figures rule the world. Maybe. But I am sure that figures show us whether it is being ruled well or badly.

Man's highest merit always is, as much as possible, to rule external circumstances and as little as possible to let himself be ruled by them.

I believe in God and in nature and in the triumph of good over evil.

The highest cannot be spoken; it can only be acted.