If you miss the first buttonhole, you will not succeed in buttoning up your coat.

As for what I have done as a poet, I take no pride in whatever. Excellent poets have lived at the same time with me, poets more excellent lived before me, and others will come after me. But that in my country I am the only person who knows the truth in the difficult science of colors-of that, I say, I am not a little proud, and here have a consciousness of superiority to many.

He who is plenteously provided for from within needs but little from without.

Nature does not suffer her veil to be taken from her, and what she does not choose to reveal to the spirit, thou wilt not wrest from her by levers and screws.

Distrust those in whom the desire to punish is strong.

The dangers of life are infinite, and among them is safety.

Win for yourself that which your fathers have won.