To be sure, a good work of art can and will have moral consequences, but to demand of the artists moral intentions, means ruiningtheir craft.

People are always talking about originality; but what do they mean? As soon as we are born, the world begins to work upon us; and this goes on to the end. And after all, what can we call our own, except energy, strength, and will? If I could give an account of all that I owe to great predecessors and contemporaries, there would be but a small balance in my favor.

There is nothing in the world more shameful than establishing one's self on lies and fables.

There are few who have at once thought and capacity for action. Thought expands, but lames; action animates, but narrows.

If it is the greatest truth that you seek, the plants can direct you.

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

Cursed Mammon be, when he with treasures To restless action spurs our fate! Cursed when for soft, indulgent leisures, He lays for us the pillows straight.