It matters little whether a man be mathematically or philologically or artistically cultivated, so he be but cultivated.

The true poet is called to take in the splendor of the world and for that reason will always be inclined to praise rather than tofind fault.

The assault of our enemies is not part of our life; it is only part of our experience; we throw it off and guard ourselves against it as against frost, storm, rain, hail, or any other of the external evils which may be expected to happen.

We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe.

It is with art as with love: How can a man of the world,with all his distractions, keep the inwardness which an artist must possess if he hopes to attain perfection? That inwardness which the spectator must share if he is to understand the work as the artist wishes and hopes... Believe me, talents are like virtues; either you must love them for their own sake or renounce them altogether. And they are only recognized and rewarded when we have practised them in secret, like a dangerous mystery."

I can tell you, honest friend, what to believe: believe life; it teaches better that book or orator.

At the moment of commitment the entire universe conspires to assist you.